
OMMERCIflL 
ORRESPONDENCE" 

FOR DICTATIOM TO 
SHORTHAND STUDENTS 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap. Copyright No.. 

Shelf...?!.?..^ 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Commercial 

Correspondence 



FOR DICTATION TO 



SHORTHAND STUDENTS. 



Compiled and edited by 

Carolyn H. Locke, 

DREXEL INSTITUTE, PHILADELPHIA. 



PUBLISHED BY THE COMPILER. 



TWO COJPIKS Hi. J^i VEI>, 

Hbrary of Ccngr©«% 

OffJca of the HF 

ifAN 4190(1 .U 

H&glsUr of Copyrlgiifg^ 







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55935 

Copyright, 1899, 

by 

Carolyn H. Locke. 



sgca^ii oapY, 



OcAa^v ^, \^ \5~0 . 



INTRODUCTION. 

Letter writing from dictation is the natural progression of 
those students who have mastered the principles of sound-writing. 
To supply the first needs of those who have acquired the theory 
of phonography, the compiler has prepared this book, grading 
the letters according to the technical difficulties of the shorthand 
outlines involved. The material has been collected from the 
letter books and files of the numerous contributors, and has been 
carefully edited so that the best grammatical construction is 
presented, while the phraseology peculiar to the varied lines of 
business remains undisturbed. 

The collection comprises examples of the correspondence 
employed in general office work ; stocks and bonds ; law ; 
architecture ; railroad freights ; coal and ore mining and ship- 
ping ; iron and steel ; lumber ; grocers' supplies ; type, stationery, 
and publishing interests ; mechanical apparatus ; electricity ; etc. 

The compiler gratefully acknowledges her obligations to 
the corporations, firms, and individuals who have afibrded her 
the privilege of duplicating their correspondence, and who, by 
their assistance, have made this publication possible. 



M 



Commercial Correspondence. 



Mr. Harry Dorsey, I. 

Duluth, Minn. 
Dear Sir : 

We have your letter of Oct. 21, enclosing $5.00 in pay- 
ment of drafting supplies. We have entered your order for care- 
ful attention, and will make shipment promptly by express. 
Thanking you, we are (34) 

Yours very truly, 
Amos Willing, Esq., 2. 

Princeton, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

Enclosed herewith please find Release of Mortgage to be 
executed in connection with the exchange of ground between 
T. B. Williams and C. D. White. We shall be pleased if you 
will have the same properly executed and returned to us, in order 
that we may arrange for settlement. (49) 

. Very truly yours, 
Messrs. Forster Bros., 3. 

Providence, R. I. 
Gentlemen : 

On account of the increase in the cost of yams, we are 

compelled to advance our prices ten per cent, on cotton tapestry 

piece goods, curtains, and table covers ; this schedule to take 

effect at once, subject to further advance without notice. (42) 

Yours truly, 

The Jacksonville Water Power Co., 4, 

Jacksonville, Fla. 
Dear Sirs : 

On your order of October 5, there is an item of one 
bracket No. 4797, with electric joint, extending 2 inches from 



6 Commercial CoRRESPO^'DE^■cE. 

the wall. We enclose full size tracing showing how we propose 
to make this bracket. If satisfactory, kindly advise us at once, 
so that we may proceed. (49) 

Yours respectfully. 
Dear Mr. Blank : ' 5- 

This will introduce to you Mr. Peterson, who desires a po- 
sition in your concern. I have known INlr. Peterson for a num- 
ber of years, and do not hesitate to indorse him as being compe- 
tent, careful, and particularly worthy of any one's confidence. 

Anything you may be able to do for him will be greatly 
appreciated by (56) 

Yours very truly, 

F. C. Chase, Esq., 6. 

Camden, Ky. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to your favor of the 1 6th inst., we this day for- 
ward by United States Express, $300 in currency as requested. 
This remittance will be held at the office of the Express Com- 
pany until you call for it. After the pa}TQent of the above 
amount, there remains ^200 to your credit here. (53) 

Yours very truly, 
Mrs. Jane Welsh, 7. 

Norfolk, Va. 
Madam : 

Replying to yours of the 2 1 st inst. , we beg to say that 
your application for loan of $10,000, on premises 17 14 James 
street, has been considered by om' committee, and I am directed 
to advise you that it will be considered further if the amount can 
be reduced to ^8000 ; otherwise it is respectfully declined. (55) 

Very truly yom"s, 
Mr. John K. Bremer, ' 8. 

New York. 
Dear Sir : 

Herewith please find our check No. 1460 for $30, on the 



Commercial Correspondence. 7 

Mercantile National Bank of New York, being the annual dues 
of this Company to the American Bankers' Association, to Sep- 
tember, 1899. Please acknowledge receipt and send certificate 
of membership, and oblige , (4^) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. M. Preston, 9- 

Detroit, Mich. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to the account of the Michigan Bell Foundry 
advertising, about which you wrote us in September last, may w^e 
ask that you advise whether the check you claim to have sent us 
in July, 1896, was to apply on the old contract for the business. 
Your early attention will oblige ( 5 ^ ) 

Yours truly, ' 

Messrs. Porter & Lynch, 10. 

Nashville, Tenn." 
Gentlemen : 

We return, by express," fifteen atomizers received on ap- 
proval a few days ago. We think our supply is sufficient for the 
present. Please send with next shipment of goods due us, two 
dozen atomizers, plain bulb, medium, netted ; two dozen, large, 
netted ; and oblige ( 44 ) 

Very truly, 

Mr. Oliver Carpenter, 1 1. 

Ithaca, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

I wish to inform you that Mr. N. T. Sands, of your town, 
is in the market for a steam or hot water boiler for greenhouses. 
I enclose you his letter, which will speak for itself ; also a copy 
of letter sent him. Please give this matter your immediate at- 
tention, and see if you can close order for the same. (^^o) 
Respectfully yours. 



8 Commercial Correspondence. 

The Theodore x\llen Co., 12. 

New York. 
Dear Shs : 

Enclosed please find a duplicate set of documents for ship- 
ment of 12 dozen mens' fur felt hats, un trimmed, forwarded by 
the S. S. * ' Seguranca. " Messrs. Kitson & Son have ordered us 
to ship these goods in your care. The original bill of lading, we 
are informed by our New York shipping agent, has been for- 
warded to you by the steamer carrying the merchandise. (63) 
- Yours truly, 

Messrs. Harrison & Son, 13. 

Knoxville, Tenn. 
Gentlemen : 

^Ve are in receipt of your valued favor dated Oct. 10, 
including an order for 6j4. dozen hats, and we desire to advise you 
that they are now in course of manufacture, and will be shipped 
on Nov. 15. Allow us to call your attention to a slight error 
in the item marked '-Block No. 424, 43/3 x 2j4," color black, 
at S30 per dozen. We shall be obliged to charge $31.50 per 
dozen, for the reason that the brim dimensions exceed the $30 
limit. (85) 

Faithfully yours, 

INIr. AVilHam Gower, 14. 

Los xVngeles, Calif 
Dear Sir : 

We have your letter of Oct. 19, stating that you have 
sent us the object glass of a transit by mail. As yet, the pack- 
age has not arrived, and we suggest that you start tracer through 
the post-office. If it arrives in the meantime, we will make 
immediate quotation. (49) 

\'ours very truly, 



Commercial Correspondence. 9 

Messrs. Blaine & Evans, 15. 

Lexington, Ky. 
Gentlemen : 

The return of our check, dated October 9, because we 
deducted transit charges, is somewhat of a surprise, as you have 
always allowed the same. Thinking that you returned this in 
error, we again present the check to you. We trust that you will 
look up this matter and return our statement receipted. (53) 

Yours very truly, 

London & Australian Bank, Ltd., 16. 

Buenos Ayres, Argentine Republic, S. A. 
Dear Sirs : 

We take pleasure in handing you our draft for ^792.47, 

drawn on Messrs. Villamil of your city, payable sixty days after 

sight. By promptly forwarding us the equivalent of the amount 

named, less your regular collection fees, you will oblige (40) 

Yours faithfully, 

Mr. James Painter, 17. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

We return herewith certificate No. 14,524 for ten shares 
of Metropolitan Traction Co. , received under cover of your favor 
of the ilthinst. Please have your signature guaranteed by one 
of your bankers, brokers, or attorneys, and also fill up the enclosed 
blank and return it to us. Your early attention will oblige (53) 
Yours truly, 

The Reliance Trust Co., 18. 

Milwaukee, Wis. 
Gentlemen : 

I enclose you herewith deed from Mackin and wife to 
Graham, for premises on the North-east side of Railroad Ave- 
nue, your city, and shall be pleased if you will have the same 
duly recorded and issue to us your policy covering the matter. 



lo Commercial Correspondence. 

I beg to say that the taxes for 1 899, which you note on your certi- 
ficate No. 4902, were paid by us some time ago. (^7) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Fred. McCandless, 19. 

Salt Lake City, Ut. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to yours of the 23d, we would advise you that 
we have not repaired your field-glass, as we have been holding it 
awaiting your instructions. With reference to opening an ac- 
count, we would ask you to advise us when it would be con- 
venient for you to settle for the repairs, before we make definite 
reply on this point. (^o) 

Yours very truly, 

Mrs. Mar}^ Caven, 20. 

Hotel Royal, Montgomeiy, Ala. 
Dear Madam : 

In ansv,^er to your inquiry of the 9th inst., v\'ould say that 
we have been very much pleased so far widi the sale of the lotion, 
and see no reason why it should not both continue and increase. 
As yet, we have spent none of the appropriation for advertising, 
as we have succeeded in getting the jars onh^ within the last 
week. ^Ye think now, however, that it would be advisable to 
spend a little money for advertising, and to push the article more 
thoroughly. ( 85 ) 

Yer}^ truly yours, 

Mr. Alexander Day, 21. 

Grand Rapids, Mich. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to your application of yesterday for position of 
traveling salesman, we regret to state that we have no vacancy 
in our sales department at the present time. We should like to 
know, however, upon what you base yom' application, so that we 
may make a note for reference in case an opportunity occurs for 
corresponding with you on the subject. (^^) 

Yours truly, 



Commercial Correspondence. ii 

The Southern Electric Co., 22. 

Knoxville, Tenn. 
Dear Sirs : 

Your letter of the 12th inst. is received, and in reply we beg 
to state that we cannot do any better than the discount already 
quoted. Materials and labor are very high, and we cannot say 
how much longer the present prices can be maintained. We are 
sorry that we cannot accommodate the trustees of the new hospi- 
tal, but our prices are reduced to a minimum. (^^) 
Yours truly. 

The St. Louis Plumbing Co., 23. 

St. Louis, Mo. 
Dear Sirs : 

Your letter of the 3d inst. did not arrive until yesterday, 
and we telegraphed you to the effect that it was not satisfactory 
and that we would proceed against you unless your remittance 
reached us on Monday. Instructions will be sent to push this 
suit vigorously, as you have been trifling with us. Your promises 
are not kept, and you treat a serious matter in entirely too light 
a vein. (7o) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Ryan & Co., 24. 

Boise City,. Id. 
Gentlemen : 

I have your letter of November 8. The figures are en- 
tirely too high for me to consider ; therefore, I cannot give you 
the order for the new work, but request you to straighten the 
awning as soon as possible and change the canopy from its 
present j^osition. Your representative thought it not possible to 
do this without an estimate ; therefore, if you could make an ap- 
pointment with me, I should be glad to go over this matter 
again. (7^) 

Yours respectfully, 



12 Commercial Correspondence. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Fowler, 25. 

29 Grand Avenue, Cincinnati, O. 
Dear Madam : 

We regret exceedingly the inconvenience caused you in 
the matter of the mirror, but we were out of the pattern you or- 
dered and thought the one sent you was a good substitute. How- 
ever, we shall ship you within a few days, express prepaid, the 
correct article. 

Hoping the mirror may be received safely, and that we 
may still be favored with your further orders, we remain ( 66 ) 
Very truly yours, 

Mr. Alfred Osgood, 26. 

St. Augustine, Fla. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to your letter of October 27, we would say that 
by noticing our duplicate order, you will see that it is marked 
f. o. b. store. We therefore deduct forty-five cents expressage. 
In regard to the 9% discount, terms are Sfo, 10 days, and when 
checking all accounts, we are entitled to I ^ extra for instan- 
taneous cash. We return you check and statement with this ex- 
planation. (65) 
Yours respectfully, 

Mr. B. H. Terry, 27. 

Minneapolis, Minn. 
Dear Sir : 

We bought some time ago from your Mr. Dolan, two cars 
of Hemlock shingle lath, for which we received your acknowl- 
edgment. One car was to be shipped last month, and the other 
this month ; but up to the present time w^e have received no bill 
for either car. Kindly let us know whether you intend to ship 
these cars or not, as we must have them at once. Please let us 
hear from you by next mail. (77) 

Respectfully yours. 



Commercial Correspondence. 13 

Rev. Edward Carson, 28. 

Tallahassee, Fla. 
Dear Sir : 

Your letter of recent date, stating that you have paid your 
subscription to the '' Grapic," has been received. We regret ex- 
ceedingly that due credit had not been given you. We would 
say in addition that such credit has now been made and will 
appear at the top of your paper. We trust that the oversight 
will be pardoned by you, and that we may continue in the en- 
joyment of your support. ( 7 ^ ) 
Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Floyd & Son, 29. 

Asheville, N. C. 
Dear Sirs : 

Your esteemed favor of September 19 is at hand, and we 
beg to say in reply that the use of Waterslide Chandeliers was 
abandoned entirely in this country many years ago, and we 
therefore discontinued making any new designs of that character. 
If you will try some of the patterns illustrated in our albums, we 
feel sure they can be introduced into your section and that they 
will eventually meet with favor, (7^) 

Yours truly. 
Prof. H. S. Lee, 30. 

Columbus, O. 
Dear Sir : 

With last week's issue of your paper we completed the 
order given us for advertising your school. We should be glad 
to have from you a renewal of this business. Can you not give 
us a " t. f. " order for the same at the rate that we have been 
running heretofore ? You would then be permitted to stop it or 
change the space alloted at any time you desire to do so. 

Hoping that we may be favored with such an order, we 
remain ( ^3 ) 

Yours very truly, 



14 Commercial Correspondence. 

Rev. Cyrus Rieber, D. D., 31. 

Santa Fe., N. M. 
Dear Sir : 

In looking through some correspondence, we find a letter 
from you dated April 17, 1898, asking that a bill be sent you for 
subscriptions ordered some months previous. There seem to be 
no data to indicate that this letter of yours ever had attention, 
and, further, we find on our charge book a memorandum of six 
subscriptions ordered by you, for which we apparently have never 
received a remittance. Will you be kind enough to advise us 
whether the letter referred to was acknowledged, and if pay- 
ment has ever been made for these subscriptions ? We enclose 
stamped and addressed envelope for reply. (^02) 

Yours truly, 
The Paris Novelty Manufacturing Co., 32. 

Davenport, la. 
Dear Sirs : 

We hand you herewith statement of your account, show- 
ing balance of $30 due us for advertising. This advertisement 
was given early in the spring, and bills have- been rendered you 
regularly since that time. We cannot understand why you 
should ignore the bills, as the advertising was given in accord- 
ance with the order, and we should have had payment long 
before this. We should appreciate a check to cover the amount 
of the bill by return mail. (77) 

Yours truly, 

The Gloucester Heating Co., 23' 

Gloucester, Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

Your letter of the 5th inst. is at hand, and in reply we 
beg to state that we never received the communication to which 
you refer. However, we are quoting no one in the country 
better than 40 % , for the reason that we cannot afford to, and we 
do not know how much longer this rate can be maintained. You 



Commercial Correspondence. 15 

have no doubt noted the superior workmanship and finish of our 
goods, and if everything is taken into consideration, we do not 
doubt that you will find the prices right. (90) 

Truly yours, 
Electric Construction Co. of Wisconsin, 34. 

Madison, Wis. 
Dear Sirs : 

Yours of the 23d inst. is at hand, and in reply we beg to 
state that we think our charge for lengthening is quite reasonable. 
Should we allow 40% discount from prices which are figured at 
net, we should be doing so at a loss. We are always glad to do 
anything within reason, as many of our customers will attest, but 
we really think it unfair that you should insist upon our furnish- 
ing goods below cost. Put yourself in the same position, and 
you will no doubt agree with us. (9^) 

Yours truly, 
Frank Hazen, Esq., 35. 

Boston, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

In the matter of conveyance of premises on Chaney Street 
in the Second Ward, by C. D. White and wife to T. B. Wil- 
liams, we were informed that Sara A. Hawes, the widow of 
Charles Hawes, who was the owner of the premises in question, 
had accepted the provisions in her husband's will ; but, on 
examining the record, we cannot find any evidence of such 
acceptance, and, understanding that you represent Mr. White, 
we write to inquire if you can give us any information concerning 
the matter. Your kind attention will greatly oblige us. (92) 

Very truly yours. 
The Trust Co. of Indiana, 36. 

Logansport, Ind. 
Dear Sirs : 

I enclose you herewith Release of Mortgage to be signed 
by Morgan et al. , in connection with the lot about to be con- 



i6 Commercial Correspondence. 

veyed to ]Mr. AYhite, and also return you the new Bond and 
Mortgage to be given to Mr. Morgan on the piece which you got 
from INIr. ^Yhite. I think it would be well if you would submit 
the new Bond and Mortgage to Mr. Morgan for approval, and 
the Release for execution, and then advise me when this has 
been done. We are awaiting advices from Mr. White's attor- 
neys as to the execution of this deed. (99) 

Very truly yours, 
Mr. Isaac Holmes, 37. 

Wheeling, W. Va. 
Dear Sir : 

We beg to inform you that the last ten cases of Castile 
Soap you sent us are not fit for our sales. The soap seems to 
have dried out, is very brittle, and it is impossible to cut or saw 
it. We spoke to your agent regarding it, and he directed us to 
return the lot to you. Please let us know how and where we 
shall send it. In the meantime, we would like you to ship us 7 
cases of Castile Soap, and would request that you examine the 
lot before shipping. Please give this your prompt attention, as 
we do not want to send out any more of the inferior soap. 

Very truly, (114) 

Messrs. Hampton, Seeds & Co., i,S. 

Omaha, Neb. 
Dear Sirs : 

We wish to secure a good, live connection in your city ; 
and, as our products are first- class and our prices moderate, there 
does not seem to be any real hinderance to business between us. 
W^ill you meet us half way ? That is to say, if you are not 
canying paints, kindly let us point out how such a branch can 
be made profitable ; or, if you are handling such goods, please 
tell us the line, thus enabling us to place our claims before you 
intelligrrtly. We are satisfied that, once your requirements are 
know^n to us, we can make a proposition which will be interest- 
ing and attractive to you. (^^o) 
Yours YQYj truly. 



Commercial Correspondence. 17 

T. B. Ruth, Esq., 39. 

Memphis, Tenn. 
Dear Sir : 

We acknowledge receipt of your order of yesterday, but 
in view of the difficulties attending the collection of our previous 
account, we are compelled to be candid with you and state that, 
if it makes no material difference to you, we should much prefer 
that you avail yourself of the special 2^ discount which we 
name under such circumstances for payment of cash in advance 
of shipment. We enclose a pro-forma invoice, made out at the 
lowest trade prices, and shall be pleased to forward the goods upon 
receipt of your remittance. (92) 

Yours very truly. 
The Parley Toy Co., 40. 

Maiden, Mass. 
Dear Sirs : 

We have just opened the goods purchased on bill of 
October 20. Upon examination we find Hill Climbers and Trolley 
Cars very much damaged ; the tops of the Locomotives also are 
bent, and, in bending, the paint has cracked so much that they are 
not in a condition for us to retail at one dollar, the price at which 
we expected to sell them. The Trolley Cars are bent very much 
at the ends. I suppose you intended that the bits of wood, as 
placed in the tops of the engines, should be tacked, but this, no 
doubt, was overlooked in the packing of them. Kindly let us 
know what disposition to make of this order. ( ^ ^4) 

Yours respectfully, 
Mrs. Anna Hastings, 41. 

New Brunswick, N. J. 
Dear Madam : 

As desired in your favor of the loth inst., we have endea- 
vored to get the two collars for you, but the style not being in 
demand at the present time, we can only secure them by ordering 
direct from the manufacturer. We can order for you one-half 
dozen and deliver the same free of charge to any part of the 



1 8 Commercial Correspondence. 

city ; but we cannot deliver them outside of the city without pre- 
paying dehvery charges. Please find enclosed twenty-five cents 
which you paid for the two collars. We shall appreciate the 
honor of serving you. ( 86 ) 

Yours very respectfully, 

London & Brazilian Bank, Ltd., 42. 

Buenos Ayres, Argentine Republic, S. A. 
Gentlemen : 

x\s a concern which has had frequent dealings with our 
Argentine clients through your estimable institution, we take the 
liberty of asking whether you can furnish us with any information 
as to the credit standing of Senores I\Iorales, of Bolivia, Brazil, 
business, Sombrereria. To be more explicit, this concern has 
given us an order amounting to nearly $3,000 American gold, 
and having had no dealings with them in the past, we are desir- 
ous of knowing whether the concern is worthy of such a line of 
credit. We thought you could secure this information through 
your Rio Janeiro branch. If any expense is incurred in obtain- 
ing this information, we shall remit on receipt. Thanking you 
in advance, we remain (i^^) 

Faithfully yours, 
Henry Stem, Esq., President, 43. 

Protective Life Insurance Co., 

Baltimore, Md. 
Dear Sirs : 

In reply to your request for my opinion of your Life Insur- 
ance Co. , I desire to state that you have conducted the negotia- 
tion for my policy, v>'hich I accepted from you on July 8, to my 
entire satisfaction. I was never a believer in life insurance, but 
having fully investigated the subject, I think it an excellent 
investment. My greatest satisfaction is that I have made the best 
possible provision for my family in case of my early death, as 
well as for myself, should I live for twenty years. Wishing you 
success, I am (95) 

Yours very truly. 



Commercial Correspondence. 19 

Mr. H. T. Jones, 44. 

Buffalo, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to your favor of the i8th, in the matter of the 
Hunter property, I did not know that the property was to be sold 
on the 15th iiist. I am foreclosing a mortgage on the property 
and am interested in it for my client to that extent. Our mort- 
gage is for $500. If you can get a title from the owner of the 
property and will pay the amount due on our mortgage, together 
with costs, I shall be happy to discontinue the suit ; otherwise, I 
must proceed to sell. We will buy in the property unless it 
brings the amount which we have against it. If you desire the 
property and can get the title from Mrs. Perry and will also pay 
what we have against it, you will get the property cheaper than 
by waiting for the foreclosure sale, which will add about ^100 

to the expenses. (^5^) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. James Keller, 45. 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir : 

I have just had an interview with Mr. Taylor this morning 
concerning the matter mentioned in your letter of the llth inst., 
and he assures me that ^100 could be borrowed from the Asso- 
ciation. It would seem to me, if the monthly payments will 
burden you, that it would be better to withdraw from the Asso- 
ciation and get a straight loan on your property for the difference. 
I hardly know what advice to give you, as I do not wish you to 
lose anything on the amount paid into the Building Association, 
but I know, from the rules of the Association, that they will 
allow you for cash paid in on the stock, together with 6 ^ interest 
on the same. If you think it best to withdraw from the Asso- 
ciation and will write me, I shall see if I can find some one to 
loan you the money, although as you know, it is very hard to 
negotiate a loan on farm property, no matter how good the secu- 
rity maybe. (171) 
Yours truly. 



20 Commercial Correspondence. 

John Pa3-ne, Esq., 46. 

Portland, Me. 
Dear Sir : 

I am veiy sorr}' for the delay in closing up the Bender 
Estate. After going thoroughly into the matter, I became con- 
vinced that it was useless to expend in Court proceedings so 
large a portion of the small amount due the heirs-at-law of Henry 
Bender, and I wrote to the administrator advising that distribu- 
tion be made to the parties properly entitled and their release 
taken without going through the Court. The only expense then 
would be in preparing the releases. I have written three times 
to the administrator in this matter without receiving any reply 
from him. It is one of those small matters which would require 
just as much proof, should we go into Court, as if a large amount 
were involved, and "I feel that the administrator is perfectly safe 
in making distribution without the order of the Court, and have 
therefore made this suggestion. I am (^5^) 

Yours truly, 
Messrs. BeiTy <&: Glime, 47^ 

Oswego, X. Y. 
Dear Sirs : 

I acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th inst. , and 
in reply would say that I shall not be able to give you any definite 
answer as to the disposition of ^900,000 worth of bonds, unless I 
am favored with more direct and detailed information as to 
the enterprise represented thereby. Please forward me at your 
earliest convenience, the information which you know I shall 
need in the matter, in order that I may comprehend the subject 
and give you a definite answer. ( 85 ) 

Yours truly, 
^Messrs. Rogers Bros., 48. 

Pottsville, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

We beg to return herewith all papers in your claim for 
$4.50, value of two sacks of bran, short on shipment of 150 sacks 



Commercial Correspondence. 21 

destined to Norristown, Pa. The matter has been investigated, 
and we find that the two sacks in question were delivered to con- 
signees March 18, 1899. Your claim is, therefore, respectfully 
declined, and we take the liberty of closing our records. (64) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Stephen Bicking, 49. 

Bethlehem, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Please note attached letter from Mr. North, to the effect 
that George Johnson, Utica, N. Y., is buying stoves from the Port- 
able Iron Co., Bethlehem, Pa., and ordering the same forwarded 
via P. & R. and Lehigh Valley, but that all shipments have been 
arriving over the New York Central. Will you please give this 
necessary attention, advising why they have been diverted from 
our road, and whether they will be forwarded via Lehigh Valley 
in future? (78) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Robert Carr, 50. 

Utica, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to your communication of the 21st ult., in refer- 
ence to shipment of stoves from the Portable Iron Co., Bethle- 
hem, Pa., for George Johnson, Utica, N.Y., we would respectfully 
call your attention to letter next attached from our travelling 
agent, Mr. N. P. Wright, in which he states that shippers claim 
that the only routing instructions received from Mr. Johnson called 
for New York Central delivery, but that on the strength of your 
letter, future shipments would be forwarded via our road. (86) 

Yours truly, 
Mr. Albert Anderson, 5 1. 

Binghampton, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

We beg to acknowledge receipt of your claim for $4.32, 
overcharge on shipment of July 27, two bales of cotton canvas, 
invoiced by you in error as two bales of canvas, consigned to John 



22 Commercial Correspondence. 

Learning, Dulath, ^Nlinn. , via Lehigh Valley R. R. and Northern 
Steamship Company. We have referred claim to ^Ir. R. P. 
Smith, Auditor, Merchandise Traffic, Xew York, with request to 
arrange for prompt setdement. If necessary for you to commu- 
nicate with us in reference to this matter, please refer to our Xo. 

7218. (S5) 

\ ours truly, 
]\Ir. Henr}- Martin, 52. 

Elmira, X. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

AYill you kindly advise me by return mail, the lowest rate 
you can make on ten carloads of hemes destined to Colranbus, 
O., to be ready for shipment early next week? I understand 
that the Great Western Dispatch intends to quote a rate, via Bm"- 
falo and Lake, of 19 cents per lOO pounds. Can we not work 
the busmess via Toledo at the old rate of iS)4 cents? If so, I 
feel assured of getting the traffic, as the nearest approach to the 
Great Western rate is 20 cents, via Xorthern Lake Line. Your 
prompt attention will be appreciated by (102) 

Yours truly, 
Mr. William Fellows, 53. 

St. Paul, Minn. 
Dear Sir : 

We understand you have been U'acing the following ship- 
ments without success : From St. Paul, ]SIinn., August 23d, car 
P. & R. 77069, with flour consigned to Henry Hill, Reading, 
Pa. , and car L. V. 4098, with flour consigned to George Beale, 
Harrisburg, Pa. ; both cars routed via Lehigh Valley Transporta- 
tion Company. We have been tracing them through ]Mr. Myers, 
who reports no account of them, under date of the 3d. Con- 
signees are after us daily for some information. Will you please 
v,-ire me whether cars are routed via Lehigh A' alley Transporta- 
tion Co. , or via Chicago or Milwaukee, and then continue trac- 
ing for delivery to us at either point ; that information to be trans- 
mitted to us direct by Mr. Brown in order to save time. (127) 
Yours truly, 



Commercial Correspondence. 23 

The Parkins-Moore Co., 54. 

Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Dear Sirs : 

Regarding the enclosed invoice, we beg to say that the 
quotation referred to in yours of yesterday must have been an 
old one, given for some satisfactory reason. Our discount is 
40^, against 25 & 10 fo of other reputable manufacturers, and 
we are surprised that you should talk to us about anything extra 
on one fixture. If you were buying largely from us, there 
might be some reason an making such a request, although it is 
by no means certain that we would agree, with v/ages and 
materials as they are at present. This individual item does not 
amount to much and you can do as you please about taking off 
an extra 10 fo , but we wish to say that if you do make the deduc- 
tion, it would be useless to send any further orders. ( ^35 ) 

Yours truly. 
The Greenwich Illuminating Co., 55- 

Greenwich, N. Y. 
Dear Sirs : 

Your letter of the 6th inst. at hand and contents care- 
fully noted. Regarding the E-437 and P-4 shades, we beg to 
state that the factory making these patterns was completely 
destroyed by fire, and it may be several months before we can 
supply them. We have been greatly handicapped as regards 
glass on this account, and it was necessary to fill your order, as 
we have all others, by substitution, sending the nearest that we 
could procure. We will send a2-^^'' holder by mail to-day. 

Yours very truly, ( 86 ) 

Messrs. Peale & Smith, 56. 

Taranaki, New Zealand. 
Dear Sirs : 

Your esteemed favor of Sept. 30 is at hand, and in reply 
we beg to say that our dealings are exclusively with the trade. 
We should therefore be pleased to have you send us one of your 



24 Commercial Correspondenxe. 

business cards, or something in print, showing that you are 
regularly engaged in the Plumbing or Gas Fitting business. In 
the meantime, to prevent delay, you might show "this letter to 
Mr. Jones, and he will probably inform you regarding our quo- 
tations, as he would know if you are entitled to the same. 
A draft on New York, Philadelphia, or San Francisco would be 
a very acceptable wsly for us to receive money. Awaiting your 
further advices, we remain ( ^ ^ ^ ) 

Respectfully yours, 
Charleston Electric Co., 57. 

Charleston, S. C. 
Dear Sirs : 

We looked all over town for silk cord, the color of the 
paper you submitted, but met with no success. We next visited 
the manufacturer of these goods, and he informed us that it 
would be necessary to make up the 50^ specially, and he claimed 
it would incur extreme expense, obliging him to charge us ^3 
additional. This would make the cost of wire lo to 12 cents a 
foot. We are shipping your goods to-day, and if you desire us 
to procure the silk cord, we shall be pleased to do so and forward 
it by mail. We can furnish either red or green silk cord at 
4 cents per foot. Please let us know what we shall do in the 
matter, and oblige (126) 

Yours truly. 
The Penn ^^TLeel Co., 5^- 

New Haven, Conn. 
Gentlemen : 

The express charges on the two samples referred to in your 
letter of 29th ult. v»'ere $2, which seems to us to be exorbitant. 
As we may have occasion to order you to ship machines to us 
quite frequently by express, we shall deem it a favor if you will 
see what can be done with the express people at your end of the 
line, about a reduction on the above rate. We would be quite 
willing to assure them that all express shipments will come by 



Commercial Correspondence. 25 

their line, if they will give us a low tariff. At the same time, 
you might also make inquiry about the best freight rate that can 
be obtained, and advise us. The dealer who makes a success of 
our line of business next year must carefully watch every little 
leak and unnecessary expense, and that is why we ask you to 
investigate this matter now. 

Trusting that you will pardon the trouble to which we 
are putting you, we are (^^^) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Edward Davis, 59. 

Atlanta, Ga. 
Dear Sir : 

Our collector reports that when you made him a ^5 
payment on your wheel yesterday, you told him that you did not 
know when you would pay the remaining ^5 which closes the 
account ; in fact, you seemed somewhat indifferent concerning 
the matter. This will not do. We have been very patient and 
forbearing with you, and, on looking up the contract, we find 
that the final payment was due nine months ago. There can be 
no sufficient reason why you should delay closing the account for 
a paltry payment of ^5. Such action is neither reasonable nor 
just, and if you cannot pay this small balance at once, or fix a 
date for its payment, we shall be obliged to fix it for you. 
Please let us hear firom you at once, so that we may know what 
action to take. Out of consideration for you, we have thus far 
refrained from notifying your surety of the condition of the 
account, and we trust that you will not compel us to do so now. 
Yours tnaly, (l75) 

Mr. A. T. Martin, 60. 

Guatemala, C. A. 
Dear Sir : 

From the enclosed original invoice, bill of lading, and 
memorandum of expense, you will note that we shipped you on 
Sept. 9 by the S. S. " Seguaranca," in case No. 72,812, twelve 



26 COMMERCL\L CORRESPONDENCE. 

dozen tri Tm ned sdti hats. We have notified your consignees at 
Vera Cruz, Messrs. Portez, diat diis sMpment is now in transit, 
at the same time forwarding them a duphcate set of papers, and 
we have requested their prompt attention to the* despatching of 
the merchandise. 

TiTisting the goods will be promptiy dehvered to you and 
meet with the approval of yourself and your customers, and hop- 
ing that these goods will bring us duphcate orders, we take 
pleasm-e in subscribing ourselves (in ) 

Faithfully yours, 
Mr. AVilliam Haines, 6i. 

Wilkes-Ban-e, Pa. 
Dear Sh : 

We are to-day in receipt of your check for §432, which 
we have passed to our Treasurer for credit to your account. We 
note that you have deducted ^36.10, being the difference in 
freight between Altoona and Wilkes- Ban-e. If you will kindly 
refer to your letter to us of October 14, our reply of the 15th, 
yours of 17th, and our answer of the iSth, you will note that 
this matter was fully determined, the understanding being that 
we could not allow the freight rate of seven cents per hundred 
pounds to Altoona on the price at which the material was sold to 
you. dehvered at Vwlkes-Barre. We presume that your book- 
keeping department has propably overlooked this, and that by 
di-awing your attention to the matter you will favor us with a 
remittance for the difference. 

Awaiting the same, and thanking you in advance, we are 

Veiy truly yours, * 149 ) 

Mr. Francis Fortuer, 62. 

Concord, X. H. 
Dear Sir : 

On the 1st inst, three weeks ago, we di-ew on you for the 
amount of our 60-day bill of August 19, Si 9. 65. We gave you 
ample notice of our kitention and, not hearing fi-om you hi the 



Commercial Correspondence. 27 

meantime, naturally took for granted that the draft would be 
promptly paid upon presentation ; nevertheless, we are informed 
by the bankers this morning that although they have applied to 
you on numerous occasions during the t-mc they have held the 
paper, yet each time you made some excuse and finally seemed 
utterly indifferent to the obligation. We regret to be obliged to 
state that if you do not remit for this long overdue bill within the 
next ten days, say by the 1st prox., we shall be obliged to place 
our account in the hands of the collection agencies. We hope, 
however, that } ou will spare us this annoyance and yourself the 
attendant expense and reflection upon your financial standing. 

Respectfully, (i57) 

The Powers Drill Co., 63. 

Duluth, Minn. 
Geatlemen : 

We are seeking as close information as possible relative to the 
character, credit, standing, and financial responsibility of Messrs. 
Rodman & Son, of your city, and presuming that you are in a 
position to advise us as to the manner in which they meet 
their business engagements (whether they avail themselves of 
the best discounts offered, etc.), we write to ask if you will 
have the kiridness to render us such service in the premises as 
may be within your reach. We shall appreciate any details you 
may be able to give us respecting their affairs and methods which 
will be of value in guiding us to a correct judgment of their 
desirability as a credit risk. 

Tendering you our best thanks in advance for your cour- 
tesy, and assuring you that whatever you may say to us in this 
connection will be treated as confidential, we are (^47) 

Yours very truly, 
Messrs. Randall & Co., 64. 

Marietta, O. 
Gentlemen : 

As you are doubtless aware, Mr. Edw^ard Horter, who 
has represented us for so long a period in Ohio, is no longer in 



28 Commercial Correspondence. 

our employ. His successor, Mr. William Eaton, will have the 
privilege of waiting upon you within a very short time, and we 
bespeak for him the uniform courtesy and consideration which 
you have heretofore shown his predecessor. We trust that you 
are already maturing your plans for taking care of a large spring 
business and that our products will form a large proportion of the 
stock you will lay in to be prepared for the same. We notice 
with regret that nothing has been charged to your account since 
October. If in any way we are at fault, will you kindly desig- 
nate, as we will cheerfully rectify any error on our part, being 
desirous of a continuance of your patronage. We believe we are 
in a position to give you better service than heretofore, having a 
larger and better assortment of goods to offer at much lower 
prices. (17^) 

Yours respectfully, 
Mr. Frank Steen, 65. 

Iron ton, O. 
Dear Sir : 

Your communication of 3d inst. is herewith acknowl- 
edged. We take pleasure in sending you by this mail sample 
cards of our ready mixed paints and a small pamphlet relating 
to their merits. Net prices will depend upon the quantity of 
goods you intend to purchase, and also upon whether you wish 
to buy as a merchant ; if the latter, kindly send us your business 
card and references, that we may institute the usual trade 
inquiries. We also enclose a pamphlet explaining the purpose and 
use of our Perfect Method System of Carriage Painting. Do not 
throw this pamphlet aside until you have carefully read it, for it 
contains information of value to you, if you are interested in 
using perfect methods. It explains many of the difficulties, or 
causes of difficulties, which arise in the paint shop. You cannot 
afford to leave it unread, and we trust that you will give it your 
careful attention. (^55) 

Yours very truly, 



Commercial CoRRESPONDE^xE. 29 

The Globe Supply Co., 66. 

Augusta, Ga. 
Gentlemen : 

Referring to your letter of October 16 regarding 75 cents, 
we feel certain that this amount was paid, notwithstanding the 
assurance which your Mr. Place has given you. He is liable to 
err as well as others, and our accounts balanced for the day that 
this transaction was made. The accounts also of the messenger 
whom we send to do errands balance for that day. We have a 
charge of 75 cents to our day-book, also our messenger's 
account-slip, which is checked off as paid. We have every reason 
to believe that our messenger is honest, and the fact that his 
account balances that day we take as evidence that the 75 cents 
was paid by him. He, however, overlooked taking any receipt 
for the amount. We cannot see wherein we should pay this a 
second time, when our accounts show that it has been paid once. 

Trusting this explanation will be satisfactory to you, we 
are ^ (157) 

Yours respectfully, 

Messrs. Burns, Rivera & Co., 67. 

Dominica, B. W. I. 
Dear Sirs : 

Your valued favor of the 25th of September was duly 
received, and its contents and enclosures have had our careful 
attention. We have seen the newspaper accounts, briefly recit- 
ing the havoc wrought by the severe storms along your coasts, 
and are glad that you do not have to report personal loss there- 
from. Enclosed please find memorandum of returns for the 
shipment of drugs, ex " Fontabelle," with tests for each separate 
mark, as requested, together with our First of Exchange, at 
sight, on Messrs. Wright & Co., London, in your favor, for 
;/J'io5 IIS. lod., the Second of wdiich will follow by next mail, 
and will thank you to acknowledge receipt of same as usual. 
As in a former case, the ganger's certificate for this lot is 



30 Commercial C0RRESP0XDE^XE. 

embraced in that for the larger shipment to your neighbors by the 
same vessel, and to them we must refer you, should you deem it 
desirable to examine the ganger's return. (^57) 

Yours truly, 
Messrs. Trimby & Dash, 68. 

Tacoma, Wash. 
Dear Sirs : 

We have your esteemed favor of the 1 2th inst., and 
thank you for your proffer of space in your forthcoming catalogue, 
but do not see our way clear to make use of the same. It would 
be impracticable for us, in fact, to take space in any medium of 
this kind, if we would continue to pursue the course which, for 
so many years, has been followed by us. As far as lies in our 
power, we have endeavored to protect the interests of the whole- 
salers, to whom we have restricted our trade. Were we to 
appear in their publications, which of course go to their own 
circle of customers, the latter would be excusable if they regarded 
om' advertisement as a bid for their business ; and, under such 
circumstances, we would be expected either to quote prices or 
execute orders for quantities much smaller than we care to sell. 
To refuse such requests would be an affront to them and arouse 
a feeling which we prefer to avoid. We think it more to our 
real advantage for us to keep out of a publication of that kind, 
unless we intend to change our methods and sell at retail, which 
we are not prepared to do. Were the conditions different, it 
would afford us pleasure to avail ourselves of these opportunities 
to acquaint the small trade with our goods. (238) 

Very truly yours, 
Mr. E. N. Burling, 69. 

Galveston, Tex. 
Dear Sir : 

We send you to-day schedule for ]\Iexico, and lists of the 
places you are to visit. Keep your eye opened for any city not 
mentioned by us. Enclosed find two checks for $100 each. 



Commercial Correspondence. 31 

Let us know if more money will be needed to carry you to El 
Paso, so we can send whatever is necessary before you get into 
Mexico. 

A few weeks ago an order came from Luis G. Ramon, 
Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, for some electric appliances, selected 
from Catalogue No. 6. He sent along the enclosed newspaper 
advertisement, but that does not inform us that he is regularly in 
our line of business. Do you know anything about him ? We 
wrote him, also the Compania Maderas, but the replies have not 
yet arrived. Reports from his three references are also enclosed 
herewith, and you will not forget to return them. (^41) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Whiting & Co., 70. 

P. O. Box 140, City of Mexico, Mex. 
Gentlemen : 

Your favor of loth ult. received. We note your inquiry 
for 20 and 40 pound rails, spikes, and fastenings. Understand- 
ing that the details could be arranged to our entire satisfaction, 
we should be pleased to enter your order for enclosed tracings 
of 20 and 40 pound rails at ^28 per gross ton ; complete, plain 
bar joints, consisting of two splice bars and six bolts and nuts to 
the joint, for the former weight of rail, 20 cents, and for the 40 
pound rail, 27 cents. Above prices all prompt cash, f. o. b. 
cars on lighter alongside of vessel, within lighterage limits. New 
York Harbor. Terms of payment, cash against documents ; 
i. e. , invoice and railroad bill of lading, showing shipment from 
our works, on presentation to a banker in New York, Philadel- 
phia or Baltimore, for which we would be willing to allow you 
one per cent, discount. You do not state when you desire the 
material to be delivered, but if we heard from you promptly, we 
could probably arrange to ship within thirty days from receipt of 
order. Hoping to hear from you, we are (^^^) 

Yours truly, 



32 Commercial Correspondence. 

Mr. Stephen Lincoln, Agent, 71. 

Omaha, Neb. 
Dear Sir : 

We have our letter of 26th ult. , returned by you with 
notation thereon, from which we note that the Street Raihvay 
Company are not yet in position to receive the balance of their 
rails, nor do they intimate when they will be. We would 
imagine that, if they depend upon the absence of the snow, it 
will be largely speculative when we shall be permitted to close 
out the contract. Of course, if they are not prepared to take 
and pay for the rails, we do not want to force them to take 
them ; but if this is not the case, and considering how long we 
have been carrying these in stock, they ought to give us shipping 
instructions or permit us to bill them on hand at the mill and 
settle for the same, ordering them forward as they may be required. 
We should be glad to have you interview the Company on these 
lines and advise us of their decision. (^^2) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. James Lupton, ^ 72. 

Dover, N. H. 
Dear Sir : 

We have your letter of October 20, and in reply we take 
pleasure in sending you by this mail, under separate cover, a 
copy of our combined Mathematical and Engineering Catalogue. 
We received the set of instruments returned by your messenger, 
who did not wait for us to send the set of ' ' Royal ' ' instruments 
in exchange. We therefore forwarded them last night by ex- 
press. We trust that these will be found satisfactory to your 
customer, as they have been specially selected. (^^) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. I. J. Cole, 73. 

Y/indsor, Vt. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to yours of the 26th, the price for spectacles on 
the enclosed bill is correct for the goods sent, as the mounting 



Commercial Correspondence. 33 

was a heavy bridge and temples. We do not carry the bevel-end 
piece in the lighter weight. If you cannot use the heavy mount- 
ings, they may be returned for exchange or for credit. Referring 
to the yi^^ diameter, 2^^ focus lenses, we have entered order for 
1000 of these lenses at the price agreed upon and, as you are in 
urgent need of a few hundred of them, we hope to be able to 
send you a portion of the order within a few days. ( ^i^) 

Yours very truly, 
J. F. Dundore, Esq., 74. 

New Orleans, La. 
My dear Sir : 

In accordance with the oral understanding had with you 
last Saturday, I now beg leave to notify you that the parties 
about whom I spoke as considering the purchase of the plant at 
West Chester, have made such examination and investigation 
that they offer to-day to take and pay for the plant $200,000. 
According to your proposition I shall withhold any decision in 
the matter for twenty-four hour's from the date of the delivery of 
this notice at your residence. I shall be at your house about 
6 o'clock to-morrow evening, to learn of your decision in the 
matter ; and, if you decide to purchase the plant, to perfect de- 
tails for closing the deal. ( ^^4) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Samuel Crewe, 75. 

Johnstown, Pa. 
My dear Sir : 

I regret that the brevity of my visit to Philadelphia to-day 
prevented my calling upon you. The person about whom I spoke 
to you with reference to the carbide and generator business will 
be in New York next week, and I shall see him and talk with 
him upon the subject. Will you please forward me, upon receipt 
of this, the letters which you have received from abroad quoting 
prices of carbide ? I shall return them to you, but simply want 
them to show this gentleman on next Tuesday or Wednesday 
what other manufacturers are doing in the way of prices and 



34 Commercial Correspondence. 

delivery. Please advise me when you send these letters, whether 
you can come over to New York upon receipt of telegraphic 
advice, should I want to call you over quickly, as perhaps the 
person I have alluded to will not be in the city permanently until 
after the middle of the month. (^55) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Freeman Bros. & Marsh, 76. 

Massillon, O. 
Gentlemen : 

I have your order No. 558, dated December 10, for 
which please accept my thanks. I also received your letters of 
same date and note your remarks in connection with the diameter 
of wheel for 140^-^ fan. By increasing the speed of the fan, you 
can accomplish the same result as by increasing the diameter of 
the wheel, and at a greater saving of power. We will see that 
everything is done to secure an early shipment of your order. 
Regarding our boiler wrenches, I would say that ordinarily our 
straight 3 -ft. wrench answers all purposes. Socket wrenches are 
of no account ; but when preferred, we make up a special socket 
wrench which works very well. Our price for this wrench, f. o. b. 
cars, Philadelphia, is $4. (128) 

Yours very truly, 

Hartford Steam Heating Co., 77. 

Hartford, Conn. 
Gentlemen : 

We beg to quote the price of ^180, f. o. b. cars, Jersey 
City, for one iio^^ ^ housing, steel plate blower; wheel to 
be 5^ ft. in diameter, and the blower to be provided with a 
wheel 36^'' in diameter with 10^'' face. In regard to the order for 
a hot water boiler given me a few days ago, would ask whether 
you require special tappings. The boiler is tapped as follows : 
6-2^'^ flows, 4.-2)4^^ returns. Now we can give you 4-2^^ flows to 
correspond with the 4-2-^^-^ returns, or any other size that you 
may require. Hoping for an early reply, we remain (i^S) 

Respectfully, 



Commercial Correspondence. 35 

George Carson, Esq., 78. 

Roanoke, Va. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to your letter of yesterday, would say that I do 
not know of any position under the city government that is now 
vacant. There are, of course, a number of them at various times 
that are to be secured after a Civil Service examination, and 
largely from local influences following the examination. Your 
penmanship and position both indicate a high grade of intelli- 
gence, and there should be no doubt of your passing an excel- 
lent examination, but it might be necessary for you to have local 
influence in appointment. If you particularly desire a personal 
interview, you may call at my office, although I could add noth- 
ing to what I have written above. (^^S) 

Yours truly, 
Mr. Samuel Towne, 79. 

Jefferson City, Mo. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to yours of yesterday, would say that I have 
received a number of applications for various appointments under 
the National Administration, but not being in a position to exert 
any influence in securing appointments, I have deemed it best not 
to sign any of the applications. I have made no exception what- 
ever, even among old personal friends. Had I determined to 
indorse applications I do not think my influence would be of the 
least benefit except as a single name to add to the number. I 
trust that you will appreciate my motive as not being at all per- 
sonal, but only following out what I had already determined 
upon some months ago. (^^3) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Arthur Kline, 80. 

Brunswick, Ga. 
My dear Sir : 

I observe that you have filed your papers as an applicant 
for the appointment of local Revenue Collector for this district. 



36 Commercial Correspondence. 

I do not know that my influence or services would be of any 
value to you, but if you think they would be, it will afford me 
much pleasure to do anything that may advance your interest in 
securing the appointment. I know of no one more competent to 
perform the duties than you are, and the interest you have 
always manifested in behalf of the party, likewise that of your 
father and brother, certainly merits recognition. I have not 
forgotten the earnest support given to me as a candidate, and feel 
that I owe it to you to do everything possible in reciprocation. 
If you will advise me whether I can aid you in any direction, I 
will gladly act at once. With kind regards and best wishes, I am 
Yours very truly, (^S^) 

F. P. Miller, D. D., 81. 

Syracuse, N. Y. 
My dear Dr. Miller : 

I have read with great interest the major portion of your 
MS. entitled '* A New Achievement," recently submitted by 
you to us for examination. In many respects I have found the 
work a valuable and suggestive one. Many of its descriptions 
are vivid, and some of its characters are exceedingly well dravv^n. 
It gives me very great pleasure to bear this testimony to the 
general worth of the MS. I wish that in connection with this I 
could say that we deem it best, after looking at the matter in all 
its bearings, to undertake the publication of the book. We do 
not feel this, however. In part, I may say that we are led to 
this decision by the fact that we have considerable material on 
hand awaiting publication, some of which is in story form. At 
the best, it would be quite a little while before we could bring 
the story out, if it were accepted for publication. In addition 
to this I may say that, on the whole, we are seeking to diminish, 
rather than increase, the number of books in the story form that 
we issue. Under the circumstances, therefore, and with very 
great regret, we feel that we must return the MS. to you, thank- 
ing you for your consideration of us. ( 206 ) 
Very sincerely yours, 



Commercial Correspondence. 37 

Rev. Albert Harriman, D. D., 82. 

Lowell, Mass. 
Dear Dr. Harriman : 

For the sake of the cause in general, and for the sake of 
our paper in particular, will you not permit us to announce 
therein that you will give us two or three articles, more or less, 
on preachers or preaching, or something connected with either or 
both. You will know best how to formulate the matter and in 
what shape to present it ; at least, let the topic be one that 
thoroughly interests you yourself. We would ask that the 
articles contain from eight hundred to one thousand words, and 
that the first one reach us within the next week or two. We are 
sorry that we cannot offer you what such work from your pen is 
worth, but trust that in the near future the success of the publica- 
tion will enable us materially to increase the remuneration. 

Hoping that we may hear from you favorably as soon as 
maybe, I remain (^54) 

Yours sincerely, 
Mrs. Mary S. Magee, S^. 

Indianapolis, Ind. 
My dear Madam : 

In response to yours of October 27, allow me to say 
that we had two copies made of the contract enclosed with yours, 
and the same have been forwarded to you signed by our Secre- 
tary. Of course you will return one to us. We are very glad 
indeed to learn from your letter that, from your end of the line, 
the prospects for " Nature Studies " are so good. We shall be 
very glad if the book shall find recognition as a supplementary 
reader. It will be very helpful to it. I may say that so far as 
we are concerned the prospects are very bright. We have 
secured in our own city the names of officers and members of the 
Audubon Society, and shall seek to bring the book to the notice 
of the Ornithological Society, which holds its anniversary at the 
Academy of Natural Sciences about the middle of November. 



38 Commercial Correspondence. 

Enclosed you will find a couple of advertisements of the book. 
I am told by the Advertising Department that very speedily a 
special circular will be prepared, describing the book and includ- 
ing portions of some of the best notices which have been 
received. So far, all the reviews have been exceedingly favorable. 
With all good wishes, I am (209) 

Very truly yours, 
Mr. T. Kendall, 84. 

131 2 Cherry St., Providence, R. I. 
Dear Sir : 

In response to yours of Oct. 21, which was duly 
received with accompanying designs, let me say that, just at the 
present time, we are not in need of designs for book covers 
other than those for which we have made arrangements. In 
returning to you the designs as per your request, I may ask what 
price you would put upon your work. For example, what do 
you deem the value, per design, of the two which you submit 7" 
It may possibly be that in the course of a month or six weeks we 
could use the red one, although I am in doubt about it at present. 
We shall be glad to hear from you respecting the information 
which we ask in regard to price. (126) 

Very truly yours, 
Messrs. Fry & Stacy, _ 85. 

Sioux City, la. 
Dear Sirs : 

Replying to your kind favor of the 3d inst. , requesting prices 
upon note and letter sheets, we beg leave to append the follow- 
ing estimate : 

20,000 Note sheets, printed upon Banker' s 
Linen, in pads of 100 each, two 
changes, . . . . . $1.75 per M. 

20,000 Note sheets, printed on Crov/n 

Linen, . . . . . . 1.50 '' 

10,000 Letter sheets, in pads of 100 each, 

one change, printed on Crown Linen, 2.35 ' * 



Commercial Correspondence. 39 

We mail you, under separate cover, our sample book of papers, 
in which you will note the prices of quality and length in the 
upper left-hand corner. We take pleasure -in quoting you a dis- 
count of 35% upon these papers as listed. Edison's Mimeo- 
graph Stencil paper, ^1.75 per quire ; and all small 6-oz. tubes 
of Mimeograph ink, 60 cents each. (^2^) 

Yours truly. 
The Second National Bank, S6. 

Leavenworth, Kans. 
Gentlemen : 

We are in receipt of your esteemed order of the 14th, 
and will increase order to 150 pocket check books, understand- 
ing that they are all to be the same style as previously made, 
except checks are to be flat, instead of folded. The books are 
to hold 25 checks each, to have the same kind of leather covers, 
and stamped on side in gold ; 50 books to be stamped, and 100 
not stamped. When bound flat, we frequently put 50 checks in 
a book, which would make fewer books ; but we will bind 25 to 
book, unless we hear from you to the contrary. As they are all 
lithographed at the same time, the work will not be delayed by 
increasing the order. We will hurry the books as much as pos- 
sible ; but the stamping will slightly delay the work. We have 
to-day shipped the copying-press stand, as ordered. We will 
send the additional copying sheets of the new style, as soon as 
we receive our next invoice of them, having already sold our 
first supply. (179) 

Yours truly, 
Mr. John Acker, 87. 

Lock Haven, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

We are in receipt of your esteemed favor, and will have the 
pocket checks stamped and bound as quickly as possible ; but 
the stamping will cause some delay. The drafts are about to be 
stamped, and we will hasten the work all we can, using our best 



40 Commercial Correspondence. 

endeavors to forward the book by Tuesday next. If, however, 
you should run short of drafts in the meantime, we could mail 
you some loose, binding the corresponding stubs in the book. 
If you desire us to do this, please advise by return mail how 
many drafts are required. Your order given to our Mr. Blank 
^as duly received, and we are proceeding with the ledgers, 
although we would like to verify our understanding of the letter- 
ing. Are both ledgers to be lettered A to L — one A to L No. 
23, and the other A to L No. 24? 

Thanking you for the orders and awaiting your reply in regard 
to the lettering, we remain (163) 

Yours truly, 

The Tradesmen' s Trust Company, SS. 

Warren, O. 
Gentlemen : 

We are in receipt of your order for Tokio letter books, for 
which please accept our thanks. These come in four styles of 
binding, as follows : sheep back and corners, dark red cloth 
sides ; dark green leather back and corners, dark green cloth 
sides ; imitation Russia back and corners, black cloth sides ; full 
duck binding. Kindly advise which style of binding you want, 
and we shall give the order our immediate attention. 

In writing you this morning, in reply to your letter ordering 
check book, unstamped, for McM. and McC, we neglected to 
state that all of your checks with blank date are having the 
revenue stamps imprinted upon them, in accordance with your 
previous order, and all of the checks that we now have 
unstamped are dated 190. 

Please advise if we shall make up an edition of 1 000 checks 
with blank date, so that we can fill this order and hold balance 
subject to your future orders. If so, please give quantity for 
each color of paper. (^^9) 

Yours truly, 



Commercial Correspondence. 41 

The Garth Packing Co., 89. 

Roanoke, Va. 
Gentlemen : 

We are in receipt of your inquiry in regard to billhead, and 
enclose a paper with the wording marked off in about the posi- 
tion we would suggest printing. As there are a great many items, 
we do not think they could be arranged better than to place them 
on the left-hand corner, as we have indicated. We enclose a 
sample of pink paper, and will supply 5,000 for $20, 1,000 for 
$6 — loose, not tableted. Upon receipt of your order, we should 
be pleased to submit a proof before printing. In the matter of 
your order for 1,000 checks, of white paper, the same as we are 
supplying, we note your suggestion to put a line dividing the 
space on the end from the check proper ; which we will have 
done, and think it will improve the appearance of the check. 
Kindly advise if you wish the checks dated all 189, or whether 
we shall date them with figure i only. We can make half 189, 
and the other half 190 ; or a portion 189, and the balance with 
figure I only. Awaiting your reply in regard to dating, and 
thanking you for order, we remain ( 200) 

Yours truly. 
The Evanson Printing Co., 90. 

Boston, Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

Your esteemed favor of the 8th inst. has been duly 
received and has had our careful attention. We should be 
pleased to be favored with your' order for a font of x\gate 
Music No. 3, suitable for the composition of Gregorian chant 
music, but the conditions upon which you predicate the pur- 
chase are such that we cannot entertain it ; that is to say, 
we cannot cut and make matrices at our risk. We are not music 
typographers, and in order to set a page or part of a page, we 
should have to put it in the hands of a music typographer in our 
city. The whole thing would cause an outlay of far more than 



42 CO^IMERCIAL CORRESPOXDE^XE. 

any profit that could come to us on 50 or 75 pounds of 
music t}^e. If you wish to cut and make matrices, as proposed 
in previous con-espondence, beheving that the thing can be 
accomphshed as stated by making three matrices, we shall be 
pleased to do it ; but we cannot take the responsibility of mak- 
ing these and casting type and having music set therefrom at our 
risk. A bona fide order from you will be accepted, and we have 
no doubt whatever of giving you satisfaction. Awaiting your 

pleasure, we are (2^^) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. F. P. Xelson, 91. 

Urbana, O. 
Dear Sir : 

We are in receipt of your postal card of the loth inst. , 
requesting our catalogue or specimen book. We would suggest 
that you send us a list of what presses and material you want, 
stating about how many fonts of type you will require. On re- 
ceipt of this information, we shall be pleased to give you an esti- 
mate of the cost. When it comes to the matter of selecting the 
type, we shall make arrangements to send you one of our large 
specimen books, showing all of our later productions. We are 
in a position to sell you any wire stitcher machine that you may 
select. We have been selling the McConnell Improved Wire 
Stitcher for some time past, and it has given general satisfaction. 
While Vv^e have every confidence in this machine, we do not feel 
that we would like to make any comparison with any other make. 
AMien you reply, kindly let us know what is the best way to get 
to your town. Trusting to hear from you at an early date, we 
are (178) 

Yours respectfully, 
Mr. Jacob Ring, 92. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

The party for whom you are making the large outfit of 
wood goods for us, desires to get a special case which we will 



Commercial Correspondence. 45 

describe : He wants a case to hold lower case, points, spaces, 
quads and capitals ; lower case arranged same as an ordinary 
case. The case is to be made as small as possible, with low parti- 
tions between boxes to be used on imposing stone to take up the 
smallest possible space. Please furnish a full size diagram of the 
same, specifying height of partitions. The 2-3 Macy Job Case 
is too large. There will only be a few types put in this case, 
being used for alterations in plates. The box, of course, is to be 
sufficiently large to allow for picking out type with fingers. You 
will please furnish estimate for a single tier Davis Cabinet, filled 
with this style case, cabinet to be the same height as your No. 6 
would be, with flat top. If this is ordered, we should want it 
finished in antique oak, like the case now being made for us. 
We have not as yet heard from you in regard to the width of the 
strips for the galleys, about which we wrote you. Your early 
reply will oblige ( 209 ) 

Yours truly, 
Mr. Eugene Hale, 93. 

Morristown, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

We are this morning in receipt of your esteemed favor of 
lOth inst. , covering order for our smallest fonts of complete ac- 
cents of 6, 8 and lo-point to match the 6 and 8-point samples 
you enclosed ; but unfortunately, the cancelling machine in the 
post-office squeezed your samples out, as you will see by the cor- 
ner of the envelope which we send herewith. We want you to 
replace samples of the 6 and 8-point, and also send samples of 
the lo-point. You seem to have some doubt about our clearly 
understanding your order, and we think it admits of two con- 
structions ; one, that you want complete fonts of type including 
accents 6, 8 and lo-point, although you do not name the weights 
of the fonts. Again, you say these fonts are to include accents 
and the proportionate quantity of quadrates, of the same face as 
the Small Pica we have furnished you at various times. Another 



44 Commercial Correspondence. 

construction is that you simply want accents ; but there is no pro- 
portion of quads with accents. 

Awaiting your explanation with the samples, and bespeak- 
ing your kind attention, we are ( ^ 95 ) 

Yours respectfully, 
The Elkins Lumber Co., 94. 

Lansing, Mich. 
Dear Sirs : 

Li answer to your letter of June 29, would say that you 
cannot be more surprised at the car of White Pine than we are, 
especially when you said that from 30 to 40 per cent, of it would 
run better than flooring quality. We did not tally or count any 
more of the lumber after receiving word to unload the car, but 
did lay out 1500 or 1 600 feet which was better than a cull 
board, and this is by itself. We are so disgusted with the car of 
White Pine that we do not care even to make an offer for it. 
We think you had better write to our Lumberman's Exchange 
and have them select an inspector, after which you will know 
just what is in that lumber as far as grades go. ( 138) 

Very truly yours, 
Messrs. Folger Bros., 95. 

Williamsport, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

Our Mr. Rhodes has said that you had given him the 
refusal of some base boards, worked and delivered to Atlantic 
City, N. J., at $22.50 per thousand feet. We would like to have 
you ship one car of these boards direct to our yard, made up of 
sizes from 5 -inch to 12-inch ; about three thousand feet of each 
size, surfaced four sides. We v/ish first to see how this car runs, 
and, if satisfactory, we will take three more cars from you, as we 
understand you have about 60,000 feet. Kindly get the first car 
off at once ; or if you will let us know when you have this car 
ready to dress, one of our firm will go to Williamsport and look 
at it. Terms, 2 per cent., thirty da5^s, less freight. (^4^) 

Yours respectfully, 



Commercial Correspondence. 45 

J. D. Bedford & Bro., 96. 

Cumberland, Md. 
Dear Sirs : 

Your letter of inquiry to Superintendent Lindall was 
referred to me. Permit me to advise you that we pay 55 cents 
for first-class, and 35 cents for second-class White Oak crossties, 
Southern R. R. specifications, delivered alongside the track at 
or near grade, subject to our inspection. This delivery can be 
made on the Southern Railway anywhere between Vincent and 
Ryburg Junction. White Oak switch timber, 7 cents per lineal 
foot, at such lengths as may be needed, size 6x9, or we can 
accept switch timber and ties at these prices, f. o. b. cars on our 
tracks at Vincent or Ryburg Junction. If you have any ties or 
timber to sell at these prices, please advise how much, and when 
delivery can be made, as we will be in the market for White 
Oak crossties in the course of two months. If you have bridge 
or car lumber to sell, you will have to address Samuel Major, 
Purchasing Agent, Southern R. R. Co., Richmond, Va. 

Yours truly, 
Messrs. Finch & Co., 97, 

Jackson, Mich. 
Gentlemen : 

Sometime ago we gave you an order for five or six cars of 
White Pine Fencing. So that we can see what the lumber is 
like, we prefer that you send in only one car, rather than 
ship all the cars at once. We have received a number of 
cars of fencing from parties who claimed that their lumber was 
first-class, and when the cars came in, the fencing was not worth 
^12 a thousand feet. If the rate of freight on the one car is 
more than it would be on the five or six cars, we should prefer to 
pay 25 or 50 cents more per thousand feet, rather than have the 
whole lot come in and not be up to the agreed standard. If your 
Mr. Martin has seen these strips, all right ; but if there are a lot 
of box strips in the shipment, we do not want them. (^53) 

Yours very truly, 



46 Commercial Correspondence. 

Mr. F. G. Bond, 98. 

Peoria, 111. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to your letter of October 19, we can quote you a 
price of ^3.75 per thousand pieces on two cars of plastering lath, 
f. o. b. Linden Junction, provided we receive the order before 
noon to-morrow. We can arrange to ship one car within one 
week, and the other within one month from date. We would 
further state that of three wholesalers who supply us with lath, 
two cannot fill the order at all, and the other cannot guarantee 
any better time than that stated, as lath are about the scarcest 
thing in the market at the present time. As our shipper will 
only hold this offer until to-morrow afternoon, we would suggest 
that you give this matter your immediate consideration, if you 
wish us to ship you the lath. ( ^3^ ) 

Respectfully yours, 
Mr. Francis Page, 99. 

Toledo, O. 
Dear Sir : 

Complying with your request of the 24th ult. , we here- 
with enclose list of pieces and price per thousand feet which we 
can deliver to your buildings, provided we get the order before 
November i, same to be shipped before November 12. Owing 
to an advance of $2 per thousand feet in freight rates, to date 
from that time, our shippers will not give us prices except as 
stated. Shipments would be made to the nearest siding to your 
operation and we would haul direct from car. 

15,000 pieces 3 x 9 — 18 Hemlock at $18 per M. feet. 

71,000 feet Shingling Lath, lineal measure, at ^5 per M. 

This order must be entered before twelve o'clock noon, 
October 31, if you wish us to fill it at the above figures. 

When you are in the market for WTiite Pine, we would 
be very much pleased to have you send us a list of your require- 
ments. We have in stock at all times beveled siding and 
dressed dimension shingles. We also have all grades of barn- 
boards and strips. We conduct a strictly wholesale business, 
and can satisfy you in price, quality and promptness of shipment. 
Yours truly, (^93) 



Commercial Correspondence. 47 

Finley Iron and Steel Manufacturing Co., 100. 

Newark, N. J. 
Gentlemen : 

Replying to your favor of the 1 8th inst. , duly received, 
would say that we accept order given us, as per yours of the 
above date, under the following conditions : Price on our * * Big 
Vein Cumberland Coal" ^1.50 per gross ton at mines ; rate of 
freight from mines to point of delivery, ^1.50, making price de- 
livered, ^3.00 per gross ton, f. o. b. cars Central R. R. of N. J. 
tracks, Newark, N. J. The price given above is to hold good 
from now until April I, 1900, subject, however, to the rise and 
fall in miner' s wage scale ; that is, should the rate per ton for 
mining coal be either advanced or reduced, the above figure will 
be either higher or lower accordingly ; and further subject to 
car supply, strikes, accidents, and other delays unavoidable or 
beyond our control. Railroad weights are to govern settle- 
ments. Terms cash on the 15 th day of the month for all coal 
shipped the previous month. Thanking you for your courtesy, 
we remain (163) 

Y ours truly, 

Messrs. Levy & Co., loi. 

Atchison, Kans. 
Dear Sir : 

Acknowledging receipt of your favor of the 26th inst., 
would say that we have been keeping a gang of men for the past 
two weeks waiting for the 16^-^ pipe and fittings. We are ad- 
vised this morning that Messrs. Whalen & Co. have secured the 
16^'' Ell which has caused all the detention, and that it will be 
made ready in as short a time as possible. It should not take us 
very long to put this in place after it is delivered, and we our- 
selves are getting the work done so that it can be included in this 
month' s charges. If the pipe is delivered by Friday morning, we 
can get the work done before Saturday. We will also arrange to 
send you our bill on that day, so that it can be included in your 
expenditures for the year just closing. ( 143) 

Yours very truly, 



48 Commercial Correspondence. 

Mr. John Fry, 

Lynchburg, Va. I02. 

Dear Sir : 

I understand you have filled your first order of 17,500 feet 
of fit steel rail to Mr. Calder, and are now filling second order of 
10,000 feet which he proposes using near Paulborough. He is 
making request for the further shipment of 20,000 feet for use in 
Whiting. Please arrange to ship this quantity to him with the 
necessary splice material as soon as possible. (^4) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. James Slade, 103. 

Xenia, O. 
Dear Sir : 

I have notified Mr. Alberts to ship 10,000 feet of good fit 
85 -pound rail with splices to your care at Mt. Auburn. This will 
enable you to remove the bad 70-pound rail in both tracks at 
Hadley Station. Will you please advise whether you have any 
place where you want to use fit 85 -pound rail in Mt. Auburn, 
and if so, how much ? (^S) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Paul Kirby & Son, 104. 

Scran ton, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

In reply to your favor dated 2 2d inst. would say, we are 
not rolling charcoal iron, as we have notified you before. We 
can furnish you soft steel sheets, cleaned, for the specifications, 
Nos. 19, 20, and 24. The quality is equal to charcoal iron. As 
far as the working goes we cannot guarantee this to be like sam- 
ple, but it will be a smooth, clean surface. Nos. 19 and 20 we 
quote at 3.6-10 cents and No. 24 at 3.7-10 cents; all net cash, 
delivered in New York. We will furnish the specification red 
iron, cut to pattern, at ^2.35 per pound and the chute iron, 
4x10, random lengths, at ^1.95, all net cash, f. o. b. mill. We: 



Commercial Correspondence. 49 

cannot make the other size you ask for, nor can we promise any 
special delivery on the above, but will do the best we can for 
you. (145) 

Yours truly, 
Messrs. Billings & Co., I05. 

Xenia, O. 
Gentlemen : 

In reply to your favor of the 1st inst., would say that out- 
side of some defective and odd sizes that we accumulate, and 
which we sell low, we only make regular sizes and brands of 
sheets and plates such as you have been buying. We enclose 
letter from our mill people, giving their present stock of defective 
and odd sheets, with prices. If you can dispose of this lot at the 
figure named we would be pleased to hear from you. The price, 
i^ cents, is net ; f. o. b. mill, no commission, terms cash, thirty 
days. We make chute iron, all" 26 inches wide, not cut to length 
(8 to 10 ft. ), of red quality, which is used in our coal mines here 
in Pennsylvania, and which we are now selling at ^1.75, f o. b. 
mill ; but I presume this would hardly be in your line. If you are 
i n the market for any annealed iron or steel sheets, we should be 
pleased to receive your order. (^57) 

Yours very truly. 

The Caperton Co., Ltd., 106 

Phoenixville, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to your favor dated 1 8th inst. would say, we will 
furnish you the corrugated black and painted iron, Nos. 22, 24, 
and 26, at the prices given on separate sheet. For painted cor- 
rugated iron, add 35 cents to those prices. We can now name 
you $1.95 for chute iron, i^f to 16, in car load lots, all net cash 
f. o. b. mill. We are full of orders for corrugated iron, but can 
probably put some small lots in promptly. 

The lightest we can roll sheets 48 inches square to be 
correct gauge, is No. 16, and we will furnish you the 3000 
sheets of that gauge of blue annealed iron at I2.35, f. o. b. mill, 



50 Commercial Correspondence. 

Phoenixville ; net cash 30 days ; red iron at I -10 cent per pound 
less. We can make shipments very promptly, say the first car in 
a week or ten days from receipt of your order, and so on until 
completed. We hope that the price named above will enable 
you to favor us with an order. (1^9) 

Very truly, 

The Troy Foundry Co., 107. 

Troy, N. Y. 
Dear Sirs : 

We are in receipt of your favor dated the 15 th inst., con- 
taining order for 100 sheets of refined galvanized iron, 3^ 
pounds to the square foot, 48x115, and in reply would say that 
we cannot guarantee the weight of these sheets. We would 
have to roll these sheets light, 14 to weigh 3^ pounds after gal- 
vanized. You say the sheets must be free from salamoniac specks. 
We can have them done as well as any one, but will not guar- 
antee them not to color a white liquor. If you are wiUing to 
take the risk, we will make the iron. We are not prepared to 
furnish Rock iron cleaned or washed. We found that most of our 
customers would not pay any extra for it, and, in fact, did not 
care about the dirt. We can furnish you the Rock brand, such 
as you have been using, at the price given on separate sheet, all 
net cash, 30 days, delivered in Troy, N. Y., deliveries June and 
July. (168) 

Yours truly. 
The Mortimer- Wilson Co., 108. 

Alliance, O. 
Gentlemen : 

We are in receipt of your dispatch in reference to the order 
No. 6451, and in reply would say that we have been disappointed 
in getting steel bars, but expect them to arrive daily. We will make 
the order as soon as they come in. We are also in receipt of 
your order No. 6478, for 4200 square feet of iron, painted both 
sides, 22 X 108. Is this to be corrugated ? You do not men- 



Commercial Correspondence 51 

tion it on the order. If the sheets are to be corrugated, the 
extreme length we can corrugate is 106 inches, but we prefer to 
have them shorter — say, 100 or 102 inches long. Please let us 
know about this promptly. Regarding the invoice of Nov. 19, 
we do not feel that we are liable for the extra cost of straighten- 
ing the plates. We rolled the iron as straight as any mill could 
do so, and if we had known you wanted it perfectly straight, we 
would not have undertaken it. Your customer would have to 
have it straightened, no matter where it was made, and should 
have returned the sheets. Under the circumstances, we do not 
feel that we are at fault, and must decline to allow the claim. 

Very truly yours, ( 203 ) 

Mr. Wm. Reeves, 109. 

Joplin, Mo. 
Dear Sir : 

Our agent at Silverton has handed to us your letter, 
requesting our Company to make you a bid for your output of lead 
and copper ore for the coming season. We would be pleased to 
comply with your request ; but, before being able to do so in an 
intelligent manner, we should have a sample, say of one hundred 
pounds, of what you consider a fair average of the vein matter 
from your mine. I presume that you are aware that your concen- 
trates, provided they carry an excess of iron, are more desirable 
for fluxing purposes, and therefore call for lower treatment- charge 
per ton than your crude ore, which carries, I understand, quite 
an excess of silica. We are paying now for copper $1.50 to $2 
per unit, based on the per cent, of copper in ore ; and, for lead, 
45 cents to 75 cents per unit, on the same rule as fixes price for 
copper. As soon as your samples are received, and our chemist 
has completed his analyses of them, we will send you scale of 
prices, covering all your different grades of ore and concentrates. 
We pay ^19 per ounce for gold, and 95 per cent, of New York 
quotations for silver. (204) 

Yours truly, 



52 Commercial Correspondence. 

Roland Pennock, Esq., no. 

St. Joseph, Mich. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to your letter of the 1st inst., will offer for your 
consideration the following mining property. The same is for sale 
at ^30,000 — $5,000 down, and the balance in five equal pay- 
ments, allowing six months to elapse between each payment. 
Of course, you understand that, in case default is made in meet- 
ing any one payment when the same falls due, all money previ- 
ously paid belongs to the present owner. Bonds and lease are 
placed on record, and deed for the property will be placed on 
escrow with our First National Bank here, and put on record 
after the receipt for the last payment is given. The property con- 
sists of three full claims, each 1,500 feet by 300 feet, patented 
a little over a year ago. On Claim One a shaft has been sunk to 
a depth of 450 feet. At a depth of 250 feet, and again at 400, 
a cross-cut tunnel has been run in about 200 feet, to locate the 
vein, which had dipped away from the shaft. In the lower 
cross-cut, the ore body had been uncovered and considerable ore 
stoped out, ready for mining ; but, owing to the fact that it was 
too low grade to allow the shipment before concentration, nothing 
has yet been done with it. Tests made from this vein show that 
fine vanners will effect a saving of nearly go fo of the ore's value, 
and should be done at a cost not to exceed $2.25 per ton. A 
concentrating and milling plant should be erected for a daily 
capacity of at least 50 tons of ore, which would produce a car 
per day of silver-lead concentrates, that would run about $'jo per 
ton. On the other two claims, prospecting has only been done 
with diamond drills, sinking to the depth of about 300 feet, and 
showing, firom assays made fi^om the cores, two good ore bodies, 
containing silver and lead, with a little gold, equal to about $45 
per ton. A tunnel should be run, and enough drifting under- 
taken to locate the ore under the drill-holes ; for, should it be 
found as the drill indicates, a valuable mine would at once be 



Commercial Correspondence. 53 

opened and shipments of ore to the smelters commence at once. 
If you care to do anything with this proposition, yom- expert will 
be given every opportunity to make a complete examination ; after 
which, I feel assured, he will recognize the property as a most 
promising mine investment. (392) 

Yours truly, 
Messrs. Rowan & Delp, III. 

Rockport, Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

I send herein a plan of the arrangement for the new hotel 
building on Cedar Avenue. For the purpose of discussion, I 
have shown it separated from the present building. Although 
this seems to have some advantages, I do not particularly urge 
the separation. You will observe that the plan embraces almost 
everything needed to make a complete hotel in itself; and, it 
appears to me, it could be run during part of the year with the 
other house closed. Three chamber stories will give you seventy 
rooms and twenty bath-rooms. I hope you will look the matter 
over carefully ; and, if you think well of it, I will be glad to 
develop promptly more complete working drawings. (^9) 

Very truly yours, 
Messrs. L. J. Manning & Co., 112. 

Montreal, Canada. 
Dear Sirs : 

I have your favors of July 10 and July 14. From these I 
understand that, for the sum of ^92, you will cut the inscription 
as shown on plaster model, in raised letters having polished sur- 
face ; first removing the granite shield and the two medallions. 
With the understanding that this shall be done as soon as possi- 
ble, and that some of the letters shall be modified (reduced in 
size), please consider the order awarded to you. Perhaps you 
would prefer to make a sketch of the inscription yourselves ; in 
which case kindly consider the matter of putting the letters in 
straight lines, making the words "Erected to the Memor}' of 



54 Commercial Correspondence. 

with smaller letters, and * * Mary T. Langley ' ' of the same size 
they were made in the plaster model. Before the letters shall 
have been inscribed, Mr. Langley would like to see them laid out 
on a polished panel, perhaps by pasting on perforated paper. 

Very truly yours, (l4°) 

Mr. George W. Warren, 113. 

Scranton, Pa. 
My dear Sir : 

I have seen Mr. Baker, and he distinctly understands 
that he is not to proceed in the matter of your heating apparatus 
without further notice. I have also seen Mr. Walters, of the 
Jamison Bros. Company, who tells me that he visited you to-day. 
He is not sufficiently familiar with the details of the work to 
come to a definite conclusion concerning the remedies to be 
applied. He intends, however, to visit the house again the next 
cold day (which the forecaster says will be the 13th), and thus 
obtain data for the complete study of the case. I expect to send 
you some sketches of the three new rooms, fifth story, perhaps 
to-day. By the way, these new rooms will add to the difficulties 
of the heating problem, and will probably compel us to adopt a 
partial system of direct radiation, either of steam or hot water. 
I cannot find anything ready-made suitable for your glazed door 
panels for front door. I send you a sketch showing the idea. I 
also enclose a tracing showing you a revised arrangement of stairs 
and toilet-room, which, in my judgment, is a great improvement 
on the original, and will not, so far as I can see, afi'ect the con- 
tract. You will be pleased to discover a good-sized closet under 
the stairs, independent of the toilet-room. This is one of the 
results of a careful study of the details, of which, I think, you 
should have the benefit. Kindly return the sketch with your 
approval or disapproval. Have you turned over the ''Require- 
ments for Heating" to Wilkins & Co.? They have not yet 
called for the blue -prints. (276), 

Very truly yours. 



Commercial Correspondence. 55 

Dr. Percival Johnson, 1 14. 

Lowell Hospital, Lowell, Mass. 
My dear Doctor : 

I send you herein a blue-print plan of the second floor of 
the Memorial Wards, Northampton Hospital, The stairs ** B " 
are open to the weather on this second floor, as I understood 
they were intended to be. It has developed that in damp, mild 
weather succeeding cold weather, the stairs, being of iron, occa- 
sion a wonderful amount of condensation ; they are literally 
dripping. It is urged that storm doors placed at *'A" will 
overcome this difficulty, and I believe that they will ; and unless 
you urge a decided objection to their being placed there, I sup- 
pose it will be done. 

Another matter : One of our Board who has been visiting 
New York hospitals is very much disturbed that we have not 
placed cement coves instead of wood in the angle formed by the 
floor and the wall. The form of the wooden moulding there is 
as shown on the drawing, ' ' nailed to the floor, ' ' as described on 
page 5 of the printed specifications ; its bed on the floor is I ^^^' 
instead of 2^^. Do you think this of sufficient importance to 
justify the taking up of the present wooden moulding, cutting 
away the floor and putting in cement ? There has been devised 
a metal moulding for this purpose, which has the advantage of 
being brought down to a thinner edge than the wood ; but I can- 
not believe that this practically makes much difference, as long 
as the floor itself is wood and liable to have some fine seams. 

Hoping you will be able to find time to wedge in a brief 
reply to these inquiries, I am 

Very sincerely yours. 
Dr. Philip Rowe, 115. 

Frankfort, Ky. 
My dear Dr. Rowe : 

Believing the Library at Lexington to be completed so far 
as the builder is concerned, in all essential points, I yesterday 



56 Commercial Correspondence. 

visited it by appointment with Dr. Wilkes and Mr. Chapelle. 
There is some cleansing of the brickwork, touching up of the 
paint and plaster, and some minor items of joinery to be done ; 
and then I think it may safely be said that the contractor' s work 
is finished. Dr. Wilkes is to advise me when these things shall 
have been attended to. I encouraged Dr. Wilkes and Dr. Chase 
to take possession of the building as soon as it shall be convenient 
for them ; they think they will be ready to begin carrying over 
the books next Saturday, the 19th. They appear to be, I was 
about to say, satisfied with the building; but it is safe to say more 
than that, they are delighted. As to Mr. Grey's balance, he will 
soon render me his account, which I will verify, O. K., and 
transmit to you. It may be that I will ask you to put your check 
or checks into my hands until I am sure that the Release of Liens 
by all parties shall have been properly made. I hope that before 
the dedication takes place the grass will be growing around the 
building (the terrace now looks like a railroad filling), and that 
everything will make a satisfactory impression. 

Kindly let me hear from you, especially in advance of 
your coming down, as I am sometimes for a few hours absent 
from the ofiice. 

Very sincerely yours, 
Col. Henry C. Wade, 116. 

Memphis, Tenn. 
My dear Colonel : 

There have been three or four persons here to-day to 
obtain information concerning the tanks for the Equitable Build- 
ing. They all say that they have been sent by Mr. Hopkins and 
that they are makers of wooden tanks. They suggest that the 
sizes given by the plans are too small for 5^00 gallon tanks. 
This is true if the tanks shall be made of wood, but steel was 
contemplated when the sizes were placed upon the plans. I 
would advise you to obtain at the same time prices from reputa- 
ble tank-makers for tanks made of steel plate, riveted up water- 



Commercial Correspondence. 57 

tight. It seems to rae that they will be less likely to give trouble 
with leakage, and you will thus be able to have a larger stock of 
water in the allotted space. ( Incidentally, I do not suppose that 
a few gallons, more or less, makes much difference. ) You will 
remember that the upper tank of the two was intended for the 
sprinkling service, which, if put in, will give you a more favor- 
able rate for fire insurance. I take it for granted that you have 
made inquiry of your insurance agent, and are satisfied that it will 
pay you to put in this sprinkling service ; if not, you might save 
money both on tanks, tank-house, and sprinklers, by omitting this 
service altogether. I write this to again call your attention to 
this subject, so that there shall be no misunderstanding between 
you and me in regard to it. Undoubtedly one tank would answer 
for all house purposes. 

Truly yours, 
Joseph E. Durham, Supt. State Hospital, 117. 

Quincy, 111. 
My dear Sir : 

Since writing you this morning, Mr. Dexter, who I under- 
stand is the painter employed by Nolan & Abbott to do the 
work of the State Hospital, has called to see me in regard to the 
finish of the hard wood, and also refers to the question of substi- 
tution of other than the specified materials for the floor surfaces. 
He states that he is on very friendly terms with several members 
of the Board of Trustees, and intimates that he will be held 
responsible for the enduring qualities of the work, and that he 
knows he cannot make good work without filling the grain, etc. 
It did not seem necessary for me at this point to enter into any 
controversy with him on the subject. The puzzle is to know why 
he should have taken the contract under the specifications. To 
my knowledge, the specifications have not been changed between 
Nolan & Abbott and the Trustees ; I did not give Mr. Dexter 
any ground to expect that they will be changed. I suggested to 
him that he should finish a small room ; floors, doors, shutters, 



58 Commercial Correspondence. 

and trims, according to the specifications and to the best of his 
abihty, and then ask for your approval or condemnation. It will 
then be possible to decide whether or not he is to go on with the 
work on that basis. In the meantime, the erected work is suffer- 
ing for want of attention and stands a chance of injur}" for want 
of treatment, which may lead to the condemnation of some of it. 
Please understand that I have no objection, pei^ se, to the alter- 
ation of the specifications, if such an alteration will bring to you 
more satisfactory results ; but my contention is, that there is labor 
and material enough provided in the specifications to make excel- 
lent and altogether suitable work. It is not, and ought not to be, 
all furniture finish. The stair rails, doors, and shutters are 
intended to be polished ; all the rest is specified to be '* well laid 
on with the brush. ' ' Would it be practicable to have another 
workman finish a second room in the manner specified in the con- 
tract for comparison with Mr. Dexter' s performance ? You will 
agree with me, that in this matter of finish there is no amount of 
talk equivalent to an actual specimen. ( 365 ) 

Very truly yours, 
Owen Dempster, Esq., 118. 

Cashier Sacramento National Bank, 
Sacramento, Cal. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to your favor of July 8, I beg to say that our 
putting the glass in small panels and making it wire glass, were 
done in the interest of the safety of the heads which must live 
and think under this ceiling light, as well as the safety of the 
man or woman w^ho, in cleaning the glass, might make a mis- 
step. The large plate glass which you suggest would, of course, 
give a little more light ; but it would be much more expensive, 
and attended with greater danger to those under it, and 
greater danger of breakage in handling. Should you wish 
to discuss further the change which you propose, I sug- 
gest that you write to the Western Wire Glass Manufacturing 



Commercial Correspondence. 59 

Company, Virginia City, Nev., in regard to the wire glass, 
and to the Denver Plate Glass Company, Denver, Col. , in relation 
to the plate glass. These parties will probably give you the out- 
side limits at w^hich they would regard their horizontal plates 
safe. A still more expensive method, by which you could secure 
a larger field of light, would be the use of iron instead of wooden 
sashes. We understand that you intend to remove the upper ceil- 
ing light in any event. There is an error in one of the notes on 
the blue -print which was sent to you : The term '^ rough" instead 
of ** ribbed" glass is used : it should be ribbed glass, of course. 
This will give more light and will have a pleasant effect. It must 
be remembered that any increase of size of lights increases the 
thickness of the glass and the dangerous results of breakage. If 
you should decide to use the large panes of plate glass, I think it 
would be prudent to strongly suspend beneath them a heavy wire 
netting. I shall be glad to advise you further in regard to the 
matter if you think it necessary. (231) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Wallace Kirkpatrick, 119. 

Pittsburg, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

A temporary bridgeway from door to door, between the 
laboratory and college, is immediately wanted, with steps to the 
ground facing the west. Kindly have this done by Tuesday 
night if possible. It is of the highest importance that a force of 
men should be put in the first story, and the floor laid and 
finished by Tuesday night. If this is not done, your promise to 
have the building ready by the 17th avails nothing, and there 
will be a great deal of confusion. Having received from your 
foreman the information that the first quarter landing of the main 
stairs is only 14 inches below the second floor level of the 
Bacteriological Laboratory, it becomes apparent that it is much 
better to put the door through the wall at that point with only 
two rises from the quarter landing, tlian to place it as originally 



6o Commercial Correspondence. 

suggested. Please proceed with this without delay, so that this 
laboratory may be also exhibited on Wednesday evening next. 
Inclosed please find communication from the Ornamental Iron 
& Fence Company, in which they assume the responsibility of 
converting the lower end of the fire-escape into a sliding and 
balanced ladder. I have given my consent to this, with the 
condition that it is satisfactor}- to the Building Inspectors (whom 
I assume to represent the Board of Fire-escapes), and to yourself 
as a builder. I leave the matter in your hands. I beg to 
remind you that I have not yet received your estimate of rebate 
on account of the omission of the cross-partition in the work- 
room. The drawing for hinged vault lights awaits your call ; 
the drawing for the front ornamental ironwork I shall hold until 
a conference with iNIr. Paxson shall have been had. (246) 

Very truly yours, 
Benjamin D. Grover, M. D., 120. 

Rochester, N. Y. 
Dear Dr. Grover : 

Mr. Cloud is here and desires me to request you to put 
yourself in communication with the Abrams-Boyce Company, of 
this city, with regard to the blackboards required in the Stafford 
Medical College Laborator}^ ]Mr. Cloud some time ago gave 
them the data for these blackboards. On reminding them twa 
days ago that they had not complied with his request for prices, 
it was found that they had not only neglected to attend to the 
matter, but have lost the data. They now promise, however, to 
put themselves in action ; and perhaps the better way to obtain 
results will be for you to see them at their place of business, if at 
all convenient for you to do so. They have been requested to 
send some pick-up boards for temporary service, and have agreed 
to do this without extra charge. 

Since your call on ^Monday last, I have visited the labora- 
tory. You will be pleased to know that the difficulty of main- 
taining the sinks in the third story has disappeared, through the 



Commercial Correspondence. 6i 

combined ingenuity of the plumber and the writer. The same 
may be reported of the difficulty in draining the dissecting-table. 
I think we shall be obliged to raise a slight platform in the 
department of Histology and Embryology, in which I think Dr. 
Wise is interested. Will a small platform of say not exceeding 
5^^ rise, between the tables and the division wall between 
laboratories, be a serious objection ? We are obliged to have a 
little more room for drainage than I originally expected ; and I 
think that we must build the platform as above suggested, or put 
a metallic-covered gutter, which I fear might be considered 
objectionable. I wish, if possible, that you and Dr. Wise would 
do what you can to help me through this difficulty. (298) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Vane & Linden, 121. 

Bordentown, N. J. 
Dear Sirs : 

We should be pleased to have your terms on the following 
work, to be done on box-wagon similar to the one you now have 
in your shop : Repainting and lettering, hooping one hind wheel, 
set of eye-bolts and rings in swingle-trees, two spokes, new 
bolts and plate in swingle-trees, repairing hole in floor, new 
front, replacing hind curtain, two bolts in post-brace, one new 
front part of foot-board with rivets. 

vYour best price on these repairs will greatly oblige (80) 
Yours truly, 

Mr. Martin Kolb, 122. 

Lancaster, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

We desire to call your attention to the fact that we make 
a specialty of manufacturing and putting up complete wire 
window and door screens for all classes of buildings. Our 
window screens are constructed with slides, with or without 
springs ; or to swing on hinges. The frames for windows and 
doors are made either of hard wood, oiled, shellaced, or 
varnished ; or soft wood, oiled, stained, or painted ; and covered 



62 " Commercial Correspondence. 

with best quality of painted steel- wire cloth ; galvanized, brass, 
bronze, or copper- wire cloth. We have equipped some of the 
finest and largest residences, hotels, and institutions in and 
around Philadelphia ; and we feel confident we can do your 
work to your entire satisfaction. We will gladly furnish you 
estimate at any time, believing we can name you figures that 
will enable you to favor us with your order. (^3^) 

Respectfully, 
Mr. Da\dd Saltz, 123. 

Elizabeth, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

The sample books recently ordered by you have been 
forwarded to-day according to yom instructions. Our previous 
efforts in collecting the most complete assortment of wall-paper 
in the U. S. have been surpassed this year, and the selection of 
patterns and colorings are much handsomer than ever. Our 
sample books show an abundance of pretty and useful things ia 
wall-paper decorations, peculiarly different from other lines in the 
fact that each pattern is adapted to a special purpose. Contained 
in this year's assortment are papers suitable for the modest 
kitchen as well as the most luxurious parlor, and all at the lowest 
factory prices. Last season we notified you regarding the rise in 
wall-paper values and gave you an exceptional opportunity to lay 
in a supply at the old price. We still have some of our 1898 
patterns in stock, they being represented in the sample books 
sent you to-day ; the prices on them are from 20^ to 50^ lovver 
than the same qualities in 1 899 patterns. All the quotations on 
new goods are the same to you for one-bundle orders as the 
largest dealer can secure from our factories on carload shipments. 
Sent herewith are two price-lists, one for broken quantities, the 
other for bundle quantities. Full information is given in each 
regarding discount, terms, etc. ; while on the back of order 
blanks enclosed, our system of prepaying freight is explained in 
detail. "\Ioulding prices are the same as last year, and there has 



Commercial Correspondence. 63 

been no change in the patterns. With the most adequate 
facihties for prompt shipment and the unparallelled selections in 
our Hne, there is every opportunity offered you for a successful 
season ; and we strongly advise the early distribution of adver- 
tising matter sent. These sample books have been forwarded at 
pound rates. Should your express agent demand differently, pay 
him, send receipt to us, and we will have overcharge, if any, 
refunded to you. (225) 

Very truly yours, 

Mrs. Emma Gregg, 124. 

Orange, N. J, 
Dear Madam : 

We have now completed our arrangements for the fall 
season, and very cordially invite your attention to the choice 
assortment of goods now displayed in our various departments. 

Handkerchiefs : One of the special features of our busi- 
ness is the department for strictly pure linen handkerchiefs, for 
men, women and children. Here there are the plain hemstitched 
sort of every weight and size, ranging in price from 10 cents 
each to ^60 per dozen ; embroidered lace, lace-trimmed and 
novelty handkerchiefs at from 12^ cents to ^35 each, and what- 
ever else is worth having in pure linen handkerchiefs. The 
enclosed samples, with prices affixed, which are submitted for 
your consideration, give a fair idea of values. We will gladly 
send samples of finer qualities on request. 

Embroidery : Our exceptional facilities for embroidering 
to order initials, monograms, crests, etc., on household linens and 
handkerchiefs, enable us to do most beautiful work at moderate 
prices. On accompanying sheet we submit a collection of designs 
especially suitable for handkerchiefs. As the holiday season 
approaches the demand for this work will probably be greater 
than we can supply ; in soliciting your orders, we therefore beg 
to suggest that you will favor us with them at your early con- 
venience. 



64 Commercial Correspondence. . 

Household Linens : For nearly half a century we have 
been specialists in the supplying of every linen requisite for the 
diningroom, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Our fall stock of 
these goods has been gathered from many sources, with all the 
skill and care derived from long experience. It contains what- 
ever is newest and best in each line, and every article in the 
entire collection is guaranteed pure linen. 

Bed Coverings : This department is replete with the best 
makers of blankets, bedspreads, coverlets, etc., in all sizes. 

Trousseaux and housekeeping outfits receive our most 
careful attention. (299) 

Respectfully, 
Mr. James Fackler, 125. 

Lexington, Ky. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to yours of November 7, we will send you a 
copy of our new poultry supply catalogue in a week or ten days ; 
it is now in the hands of the printer. In regard to kale and its 
cultivation, it should be sown in the seed-bed and transplanted 
into the open ground, and set in rows like cabbage. It is 
planted both in spring and autumn ; the former crop is for the 
autumn consumption, and the latter is carried over winter after 
the manner of spinach, protected by a light cover of some sort of 
litter. It is often very profitable to grow for market-gardeners 
and a good green for chickens. We quote you Russian Sun- 
flower seed at ^1.25 per bu., and hope to be favored with your 
orders. (^^43) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. Arthur Marshall, 126. 

Asheville, N, C. 
Dear Sir : 

We have sent you the six packets of tomato seed ordered, 
and enclose you herewith a few sample seeds of a new tomato 
which has never been named, and which we believe will make a 



Commercial Correspondence. 65 

very fine one under glass ; it is remarkably early, of large size, 
smooth, and enormously prolific, if it acts under glass as it did 
the past season out of doors. Will you kindly test it and report 
to us, calling it No. 25 ? We have no new crop of Winter Queen 
Celery seed yet in store, but expect to have it here in the course 
of a week or two. Owing to the very short crop of the seed this 
year it will be selling higher than heretofore ; the best price we 
can make you is ^4 per lb. Please advise us if you desire us to 
fill your order on receipt of the new stock. (^5*^) 

Very truly yours, 
Messrs. Kline & Monroe, 127. 

Water St. , New York. 
Gentlemen : 

In regard to your pushing the sale of incubators, about 
which we have had some correspondence with you, we have 
learned that the trade with South America has been but limited ; 
but that orders from New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa 
are very frequent. We see no reason why, if properly worked 
up, there should not be a large trade in incubators in your terri- 
tory. The manufacturers are willing to back us up in pushing 
them, and have offered two machines as samples ; it would also 
be well to get up a little four-page Spanish circular in regard to 
them. Under our department of poultry supplies we have the 
agency and are carrying in stock a line of the " Sanitas " disin- 
fectants, which we can sell to as good, if not better, advantage 
than any others. The line is very complete and we believe 
* ' Sanitas ' ' goods are the very best disinfectants to be had. 

Very truly yours, (^53) 

Mr. August Groesbeck, 128. 

Waynesburg, Penna. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of the loth at hand and contents noted. There 
has been but little demand for buckwheat these last few days. 
Your sample is all right. If you will put two or three tons to 



66 Commercial Correspondence. 

Philadelphia, at $2. 25, draft on arrival, I will accept the same. 
You do not say whether it is put up in muslin sacks or seamless. 
I was unable to make you any bid on two cars of bran midds. 
to-day, as you wanted to ship them immediately, and I had no 
points to give you to ship to ; but should you want to accept a bid 
on midds. and bran for early shipment, I will give you $17.50 for 
midds. and $16.50 for bran, although I must have a few days' 
notice in order to dispose of it. (^35) 

Yours respectfully, 
Messrs. Adams & Conroy, 129. 

Urbana, O. 
Dear Sirs : 

Since your Mr. Adams's visit, we have been at consider- 
able pains to investigate the condition of the Hawkeye Flour, 
and now make a report of the same, as given by a regular 
inspector of this port. He has just examined some of the stock 
in store, and says the flour is not unsound in any way, and that 
the smell noticed by Mr. Adams and the writer is caused from 
age and does not show anything wrong with the goods. The 
writer had a barrel of the flour sent home, and is now using it in 
his family, with just as good results as was obtained from Pills- 
bury' s Best. We feel convinced, therefore, that the goods are 
all right, except for the presence of worms in the one barrel 
opened, about which you complained. Under the present mar- 
ket conditions, we would recommend that you keep the flour, as 
the expense of sieving it would be more than made up by to-day' s 
higher price. However, if you do not care to bother with it, and 
would prefer to have it returned, we will credit your account with 
whatever you send back. We much regret the annoyance this 
may have caused you. (201) 

Yery truly yours, 
Mr. Thomas Bainbridge, 130. 

Clearfield, Penna. 
Dear Sir : 

The Tartan proofs have been examined, and we desire 



Commercial Correspondence. 67 

the following changes made : On the pea label, the words 
*' Choicest Sifted Peas" in both places. Whether it would look 
better to have the words follow the curved line under the dish, or 
to use small letters and print it in a straight line as at present, we 
would leave to the good judgment of your artist. The word 
" Fancy" to be substituted in place of *' Maine " on the part of 
label only under the ear of corn. The word '* Extra" to be 
placed on the front of the tomato label, and the words " Hand 
Packed ' ' to appear in proper place on back of the same. Both 
the corn and pea labels require to be ^-inch shorter than these 
samples, and the tomato label, ^-inch shorter. Your careful 
attention is requested to these instructions. Please note that we 
have received no notice of shipment of the Lilliputian labels, and 
ask that you forward immediately. (^^5) 

Yours truly, 
Peter Arnold's Sons & Company, 131. 

Knoxville, Tenn. 
Gentlemen : 

Herewith find invoice and bill of lading for goods ordered 
by you under date of June li. The order reached us on 
Monday and the goods went forward the same night. They will 
probably reach you in advance of this communication. We have 
carefully filled the order, with the exception of 10 lbs. of rice. 
We found, when we came to fill the order, that our best rice had 
become much affected by the intense heat of the past week. We 
have tried to buy better rice, but have failed, and rather than 
send you goods which we fear would not give satisfaction, we 
have not sent them at all. This reduces the amount of your bill 
a little, as you will see by the invoice. We have sent you the 
Mexican Cocoa, which is a taking and popular novelty in this 
line. We quote you 8 cents a box, and each box contains six 
tablets or three pieces the size of that in the sample. These boxes 
our agents are selling for 10 cents each, and in some cases two 
for 25 cents. The people buy it because it is a novelty, and it is 



68 Commercial Correspondence. 

certainly very convenient and very palatable. We will sell you 
these at ^ 1. 80 per carton of 24 boxes. We trust the goods will 
reach you in good time and condition and open up to your entire 
satisfaction and that of your customers. (^35) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Charles Corbing, 132. 

Mt. Carmel, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

The following five brands of cigars, which have always 
sold well on account of quality, and of which the prices have 
been heretofore 10 per cent, above our present cost, are now sold 
as the best cigars on the market, and the quotations are lower 
than the same grade can be had anywhere else. Will you not try 
a sample lot ? 

*♦ Bessie Kenton" (lOo's), . . ^33 per M. 

Every ounce of tobacco in this brand is guaranteed to be pure 
Havana. 

*' Silver Rose" (50' s), . . . ^16 per M. 

A choice domestic that sells readily for 3 cents each ; ^20 would 
not be too much for them. 

** Little Dutch" (50' s), . . . ^15 per M. 

A very choice, small-sized domestic, made of Little Dutch 
Tobacco, always popular both as to style and flavor. 

** Keystone" (50's), . . . ^14.50 per M. 

A large, fine, free- smoking domestic cigar, the best 2 for 5 cents 
that we have yet seen offered, and would be cheap at ^16 per M. 

"Pittsburg Special Tobies" (250' s), . ^9 per M. 

The sale of this cigar in the past has been extraordinary ; from 
thousands it went to hundreds of thousands, and then to more 
than a million in a very few months. ' * Pittsburg Specials ' ' 
are packed 250 in a drop-front box, and when tested by judges 
who do not know what they are trying, are always valued at $18 
to ^20 per M. We consider that at ^9 per M. we are giving the 
greatest bargain that has ever been offered in the Philadelphia 
market. 



Commercial Correspondence. 69 

Crackers : Boss Lunch Milk Biscuit, the finest cracker in 
the country, packed in barrels, 7^ cents per lb. ; packed in 
boxes, 8 cents per lb. Lots of five barrels, or ten boxes, will be 
delivered firee of freight with ^ of a cent reduction in price. 
Pickles : We offer this week : 
Gherkins, bbls. ( 1 200-45 g^^- )> • ^5 -90 per bbl. 
*' kegs (600' s), . . 1.70 *' keg. 

These are the choicest Empire State pickles. Choice Pickles sold 
at $i.jo for 600' s is a lower price than has ever been offered 
before. 

Cheese : The market advances with additional firmness 
week by week. Castle Rock, the choicest cheese in this or any 
other market, price 10^ cents per lb. Every cheese is shipped 
with a full guarantee to be the richest and best flavored and finest 
grade. 

Syrup : Ajax Syrup has four strong points : flavor, color, 
sweetness, and body ; beside these, it has the strongest of all 
points, popularity with customers of every sort. 

Ajax Brand in bbls., ..... 25c. 

}i '' 28c. 

Try a barrel of the wonderful No. 12 at 9^c., sweet and 
good flavor. Large quantities are going out daily. (35^) 

Yours very respectfully, 

Mr. Howard Wurtz, 133. 

Supt. Children's Home, 

Clayton, Del. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to your request, our quotations are enclosed. We 
hope your valued order may be placed in our care : 

I bbl. Granulated Sugar, . . . ^4-95 per bbl. 

I ** Keystone A *' . . . 4.45 '' 

25 lbs. Powdered '' . . . 5c. per lb. 

I pail Atmore's Best Mince Meat( celebrated), 8c. " 

(Keystone), 7c. '* 



70 



Commercial Correspondence. 



Pure Codfish, 
30 lbs. Shredded Codfish, 
^-bbl. Mackerel (Fancy), 
6 doz. Gallon Apples, 



5^c. per lb. 

IOC. " 

^16.00 per ^-bbl. 
$2.50 per doz. 



2 cases Extra Standard Yellow Free Peaches, 1.75 



I case 
3 doz. 

10 lbs. 

10 " 

10 '' 
100 '' 

50 '^ 

75 '' 
50 ** 
50 - 
50 ^' 
200 " 

1 bbl. 

2 bu. 
I bbl. 

50 lbs. 

I bu. 

I box 
20 lbs. 



California Bartlett Pears, 

Gallon Pumpkin, 

Imported Sultana Raisins, 

Loose Muscatel ^' 

Cleaned Currants (lbs.), 

40-50' s California Prunes, 

Evaporated Apples, 

'' Apricots, No. I, 
" Peaches (Extra Choice 
Pears, '' '* 

Pitted Cherries, 

Farina, 

Avena, 



per lb. 



Green Peas, 

Head Rice, 

Barley, . 

Marrow Beans, 

American Macaroni (lbs. 

Egg Noodles, 
6 cases Paris Corn, 
6 * ' Gallon Tomatoes, 
6 *' Acorn String Beans, 
6 * ' Boyer' s Marrow Beans, 
I doz. Cox's Gelatine, 
I bbl. Duffy's Pure Cider Vinegar, 
I sack Fine Salt, 
I bu. Worcester Salt, 
I qt. Pure Vanilla, 
I ** '* Lemon, 



2.00 

2.00 " 

14c. '* 

7c. 

7c. 

7/20. '' 

9c. 

I2j^C. '' 

3c. - 
^4. 60 per bbl. 
1. 15 per bu. 
6c. per lb. 

2C. '< 

^1.90 per bu. 
5^c. per lb. 
lie. '* 

95c. per doz. 

;^i.95 

60c. ** 

$i-i7}4 " 
1. 61 

lie. per gal. 

^1.25 per sack. 

60c. per bu. 

^2.50 per qt. 
2.00 '< 



Commercial Correspondence. 71 

I bbl. Sal. Soda, . . . . 65c. per cwt. 

I box Eureka Starch, ... 23^c. perlb. 

I " Elastic Starch, . . . ^5.00 per box. 

Yours truly, 
Messrs. Benning & Son, 134. 

Wilmington, Del. 
Dear Sirs : 

Our Mechanics' Lien Law was entirely remodeled by the 
Act of 1868. After an examination of our present Lien Law, I 
find that the Act of 1895, giving a remedy to a sub- contractor 
where the building is erected under contract in writing, and 
recorded, is embodied in our later Act, being Sections 2, 3, and 
4. Our present law provides that the sub-contractor give to the 
owner notice of the amount due, and of the refusal of the con- 
tractor to pay. The owner shall thereupon give the contractor 
written notice of such notification and demand, and if the claim 
is not paid by the contractor, the owner, on being satisfied of the 
correctness of the demand, shall pay the same. The law pro- 
vides that the contractor shall, within five days after receiving 
said notice, notify in writing the laborer or material-man that he 
disputes his claim, and request him to establish the same by 
judgment. The contractor shall also notify the owner in writing 
that he has given notice to the laborer or material-man that he 
disputes his claim, and that the same must be established by 
judgment. If we have not fully answered your questions, write 
us again. (193) 

Very truly yours, 
Mr. Adam Lyons, 135, 

South Bend, Ind. 
Dear Sir : 

I was speaking to Mr. Krusen to-day in re. our conversa- 
tion of this A. M., but he said they would not guarantee the 
amount of the encumbrance for a mortgage at any future date. 
That matter the mortgagee himself would have to look after. I 



72 Commercial Correspondence. 

thought it was rather unreasonable when you spoke about it. As 
to submitting another plan to Mr. Foster, I hardly think it is 
necessary, because I can very readily see that anything in the 
way of plans and specifications submitted to the above-mentioned 
gentleman would be picked to pieces in a remarkably short time 
by our friend, Mr. Kelly. Do you not think it would be a good 
idea for Mr. Kelly or Mr. Foster to hand you a plan and let the 
same be handed to us for our inspection. If this matter can be 
attended to to-morrow, I am ready to take it up and push it to an 
issue at once. Awaiting an early reply from you, I beg to 
remain (1697) 

Yours ver}^ tnily, 
Mr. T. B. Leland, 136. 

Danville, Va. 
Dear Sir : 

I acknowledge receipt of yours of the 14th inst. , referring 
to Mr. Salter' s lease. I had not overlooked the fact that you 
were to be paid $500, due on account of principal out of the first 
moneys received by me this coal year. As a matter of fact, 
however, nothing has yet been received which could be divided 
among the parties interested, and thus come to you. From the 
condition of the colliery, it is not likely that there will be any 
large shipments made this year, and consequently the bulk of the 
pa}TQents to the owners by the Vernon Coal & Iron Company 
will be postponed until the end of the coal year, INIay I, 1899, 
when they will pay the balance of the minimum rent due under 
the lease. In other words, the workings of the collier}* are such 
that, until another slope is driven, there will be but little coal 
mined by the lessee, and therefore the rents will be small. As I 
have to pay first the taxes for this year, it is not likely that I 
shall have anything to divide among the owners for the next three 
or four months at least. Of course, it makes no difference in the 
end whether the lessee works much or little coal, seeing that he 
must pay at the end of the year a minimum rent of $10,000. 

Yom-s truly, ( ^3^) 



Commercial Correspondence. 73 

Dear Mr. Young : 137- 

Referring to our conversation of yesterday, it struck me 
that perhaps it might be an additional argument to the Fortune 
Mining Company, that they should pay the rent monthly, as, by 
reason of their making no shipments, we are unable to pay the 
current expenses, including the bill which we owe their Land 
Company for taking care of the roads. I received this bill from 
them this morning, and I enclose it to you herewith. I think I 
explained to you a year ago that the Fortune Mining Company 
had had an act of Legislature passed, permitting the land owners 
to take charge of the roads and make the repairs thereon them- 
selves, instead of having them done by the supervisors, if the 
land-owners were willing to undertake it. The Mining Company 
concluded that it would be more profitable to do it in that way ; 
and as we agreed to join them, the amount we pay as our share 
of the costs of the work is equal to the Road tax. The amount 
of our share for this year is stated on the bill which I enclose 
you herewith. ( ^ ^^ ) 

Truly yours, 

W. S. Richards, Esq., Secretary, 138. 

Wyoming Trust Company, 
St. Louis, Mo. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to your letter of the 27th inst. (received during 
my absence from the city), calling attention to a letter received 
by you from the home office, stating that they are awaiting 
definite instructions from us for taking titles to Trustees in Loans 
1050 and 1 1 17, we would say that we wrote you on March 6 
last, that we were willing to advise our clients, the Executors of 
the estate of Mark Hackett, to agree to the arrangement sug- 
gested, and also to the parties suggested as Trustees ; but in view 
of the fact that they stood in a fiduciary capacity, they should be 
furnished with security by the Trustees, as otherwise they might 
make themselves personally liable. We received a letter in 



74 Commercial Correspondence. 

reply, stating that it would hardly do to ask Mr. Wells to enter 
security in the matter, and that such a thing had never been 
asked in other cases. Our position in the matter is that, as the 
parties we represent are Executors and not individual owners, 
we cannot advise them to take the responsibility of putting the 
property or securities of the Estate out of their control and into 
the hands of others, entire strangers to them, without they were 
in some way indemnified for the responsibility they would assume 
by such action ; and this, although we have no doubt that both 
Mr. Wells and Mr. Atkins are entirely reliable men. Unless, 
therefore, it can be arranged that security should be given the 
Executors by the Trustees, we cannot advise the Executors to 
consent to the arrangement proposed ; but if such arrangement 
can be made, we are ready at once to agree to have it carried out. 
In my last letter I asked whether if such an arrangement should 
be made, the Hackett Estate would be reimbursed out of the 
moneys already collected for the amounts paid out for renewing 
insurance on both the properties. No reply was made to this 
inquiry in the letter which was sent by the home office. I pre- 
sume there would be a satisfactory adjustment of this, as it would 
not be right that the Hackett Estate should bear the expense for 
all the parties in interest, while income has been collected from 
the property. {373) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Samuel Bishop, 139. 

Topeka, Kans. 
Dear Sir : 

Your favor enclosing drafts to my order for ^6000 and 
^175 with which to pay the Invincible Trust Company the prin- 
cipal and interest of their mortgage of $6000 on your property, 
Maple Avenue, Topeka, Kans., was duly received. I have 
settled with them to-day, and paid them principal and interest. 
I enclose you herewith the Mortgage ; the Bond, with their 
receipt endorsed thereon ; two Policies of Fire Insurance, upon 



Commercial Correspondence. 75 

which they have endorsed that they have no further interest ; 
Abstract of Title ; Copy of Agreement ; Judgment Certificate ; 
Judgment List ; Opinion of John Huhn ; and two expired Fire 
Pohcies. I also enclose you Power of Attorney from the 
Invincible Company, authorizing the satisfaction of the mortgage 
in the Recorder of Deeds ofiice of your county. I have left 
blank the name of the attorney, and you are authorized to fill in 
the name of whoever will go to the Recorder's office for the 
purpose of satisfying it. ( ^^^ ) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Henry Weston, 140. 

Trenton, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

I acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 7th inst. In 
regard to the matter of a quick disposition of the real estate 
belonging to the Williams Estate now in our charge, I would 
say that I cannot report any better feeling in real estate here, or 
any better chance of disposing of the properties than there has 
been heretofore. While there seems to be some little inquiry 
in regard to real estate, we cannot say that there has been any- 
thing like a market. The bulk of what dealing has been done 
has been by way of exchange, and this, of course, it would be 
impossible to do with the properties belonging to the estate. I 
know very well that the properties bring you no income, seeing 
that it is necessary to pay for taxes and expenses all the income 
that is received ; at the same time, I do not believe that you can 
force any sale of the properties unless you shall make up your 
mind to cut the prices to a very low figure. I do not think that 
the houses on Milton Street, Fountain Street, and Fourth Street 
are likely to improve in value, and I do not believe that you 
could at this time dispose of them, even at considerably below 
what should be their fair value. As to the lots on Bailey 
Avenue, I would say that there is but little market for lots at all, 
unless by way of exchange, the truth being that dealers have 



76 Commercial Correspondence. 

loaded themselves with new houses, and as they cannot dispose 
of them for cash considerations, seek to do so by trading off for 
lots ; and, as I have stated above, this the estate cannot do. I 
am sorry to have to continue to give you such a gloomy view of 
the matter, but under existing conditions, am unable to do other- 
wise. (303) 
Very truly yours, 

E. R. Milton, Esq., 141. 

Philadelphia. 
Dear Sir : 

We obtained settlement with the purchaser of the Twelfth 
Street property on the loth inst. We collected from him : — 

Purchase Money, ..... ^3,000.00 

Proportion of Taxes from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, ^-3^ 

Fire Insurance Policy, . • . . i.io 



We paid thereout : — 

Principal of the Mortgage, . . ^2,000.00 

Interest and Satisfaction Fee, . 12.50 

Revenue Stamp on Deed, . . 3.00 

Commission on sale of property, ifo 30.00 



3.007.^ 



2,045.50 



Leaving balance, . . . . $ 961.98 

for which amount \ve enclose you our check to your order. 
Kindly acknowledge its receipt. (^o) 

Yours truly, 
Annapolis Trust Company, 1 42. 

Richard Marvel, Esq., Secretary, 
Annapolis, Md. 
Dear Sir : 

Some time since an inquiry was made here on your behalf, 
in regard to the Estate of Jane Gibbons, deceased, of which this 
Company is Trustee, your Company being interested therein as 
Guardian of the Estates of the Jones minors. Jane Gibbons died 



Commercial Correspondence. 77 

November 7, 1862, leaving a will, by which she left the residue 
of her estate, composed of real estate, to her trustees to collect 
the income thereof, and, subject to the payment of annuities of 
^200 each to four daughters-in-law, to pay one-fourth of said 
income to each son during the term of his life, and at his death 
the real estate to go to such person or persons, etc. , as would by 
the intestate laws be entitled to the same if he had died intestate 
seized thereof in fee. Without going into the intermediate details, 
it is sufficient for the present purpose to say that the four sons 
are dead, and that only two of the daughters-in-law, the annuit- 
ants, are alive, and that from time to time portions of the real 
estate have been sold and distributions made among the parties 
entitled. Samuel B. Gibbons, one of the four sons entitled to a 
one-fourth interest in his mother's (Jane Gibbon's) residuary 
estate, died, leaving a widow, Charlotte A. Gibbons, and an 
adopted daughter, Mrs. Jones, of whose children your Company 
is guardian. The income from the estate has been just about 
sufficient to pay the annuities, and to enable us to have in hand 
a sufficient amount so that the annuities may always be paid 
promptly, even if the income of the estate should for any reason 
fail to be paid to us when due by the parties owing it. I should 
perhaps add that Mrs. Charlotte A. Gibbons, mentioned above 
as the widow of Samuel B.' Gibbons, is not one of the annuitants, 
she being his second wife. If you desire any further information 
we shall be glad to furnish it. (3^7) 

Yours truly, 

Richard Marvel, Esq. , Secretary, 143. 

Annapolis Trust Company, 
Annapolis, Md. 
Dear Sir : 

I am the Executor of a small estate of which there are 
some assets in the State of Pennsylvania. They consist of two 
mortgages, amounting together to ^8500, and an interest in some 
real estate near Frankford. The latter interest I am not able to 



78 Coj^niERCiAL Correspondence. 

value exactly, but my belief is that it will be under ^10,000. I 
do not anticipate any immediate division of the real estate last 
mentioned. The mortgages, however, may be paid in full before 
long and in the meantime interest is payable half-yearly. In 
order to collect the interest and principal of these mortgages, and 
also of this real estate asset, when it is payable, and to give 
valid discharges therefor, I shall be obliged to take out 
Ancillary Letters of Administration in the State of Pennsylvania. 
I should be glad to know whether it is your custom to act as 
sureties for administrators and executors, and if so what would 
be the annual charge for a case such as I have mentioned. The 
annual interest on the mortgages above mentioned is at the rate 
of five and four-tenths per cent. I am the Executor of the 
domicile, under letters probate recently issued. I understand 
that the duties of an Ancillary Administrator end when the 
moneys are paid over to the Executor of the domicile. (222) 

Yours truly, 

George A. Kerr, Esq., 144. 

Toronto, Canada. 
Dear Sir : 

We have received your letter of October 20, in regard to 
the estate of which you are executor in Canada, and upon which 
you desire to take out Ancillary Letters of Administration in 
Pennsylvania. In reply to your inquiry, I would say that our 
charges in such matters are one per cent, upon the amount of the 
estate passing through the hands of the administrator, and for 
which he is responsible. The regulations of our Company, as 
well as of others doing a similar business, are that the securities 
and the funds of the estate shall be deposited with us, to be in 
our custody and control until the distribution of the estate has 
been ordered by our Orphans' Court, which has a jurisdiction of 
such matters. Under the law here, the account of the Adminis- 
trator could not be filed for one ye^r after the granting of the 
letters, and, of course, distribution could not be made until after 



Commercial Correspondence. 79 

the account had been filed, passed and adjudicated by the Court. 
If it shall be necessary for us to act for you in the details of the 
estate, I think that we should be paid a farther fee, the amount 
of which could be determined later. Replying to your final 
inquiry, I would say that after distribution has been ordered by 
the Court, the Ancillary Administrator will pay over the moneys 
to the executor of the domicile. Hoping to hear further from 
you, I am (244) 

Yours truly, 
John T. Jackson, Esq., 145. 

Junction City, Kans. 
Dear Sir : 

By direction of the Executors of the Estate of Mary 
Brown, and in accordance with the directions contained in your 
letter to Mr. Hill, I have this day sent to the Merchants' 
National Bank of Junction City, the mortgage from Joseph Went- 
worth to the Investment Company, together with the assignment 
thereof to Mrs. Brown, the Assignment in blank by her 
Executors, and the other papers connected with the matter. I 
have instructed the Bank to deliver the same to you, upon pay- 
ment of draft of the Executors for $600, and expenses, in accord- 
ance with your letter. The following are the papers sent : 
Bond (transfer endorsed). 

Mortgage and Assignment thereof to Mary Brown, 
Assignment from Executors of Estate of Mary Brown, and 

Certificate of Executorship, 
Abstract of Title, 

Policy of Fire Insurance No. 403663, C. U. A. Co., expir- 
ing Nov. 26, 1900, 
Application, 

Receipt of County Treasurer for Tax Redemption, and Tax 
Receipt for 1897. (^S^) 

Yours truly, 



8o Commercial Correspondence. 

John S. Burns, Esq., 146. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

The heirs of the estate of Elizabeth Wilson disposed of 
the "Brown" Mortgage on property in Topeka, Kansas. In 
the course of the negotiations for its disposal, they were surprised 
to be informed by the attorney of the proposed purchaser that 
the mortgage was barred by the Statute of Limitation ; that 
under the Kansas law, the debt was barred unless suit was 
commenced within five years after it became due, and that, as 
under the terms of the mortgage, the whole principal became due 
upon default in payment of interest, it became barred in 1898, 
as default in payment of interest was made in 1893. As the 
mortgage had been placed in the hands of your Company for 
collection by Mrs. Wilson, we presumed, of course, that all 
proper legal steps had been taken by you in behalf of her estate, 
to toll the statute to prevent the claim being barred. The 
*' Belknap" Mortgage, on property in Kansas City, is also in 
the same position, so far as default in interest is concerned, and 
if the law in Missouri is the same as in Kansas, it would be in 
the same position as to limitation, unless you have taken some 
steps which would toll the statute, as we presume you have. 
We shall be obliged if you will advise us at your early convenience 
if the legal position of the mortgages is as stated to us, or what 
steps were taken in regard to them which could toll the statue. 

Yours truly, (250) 

Mr. Thomas Kane, 147. 

Jersey City, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

I am in receipt of yours of the 29th inst., enclosing pre- 
liminary application of Mr. W. E. Mason for a ten Payment, 
fifteen year Endowment, all premiums upon which you say he 
proposes to pay in advance, making it, therefore, in effect a single 
premium, paid-up, fifteen year Endowment Policy. The rate of 



Commercial Correspondence. 8i 

premium for such a policy you will find in the rate book. Upon 
this policy Mr. Mason would, after two years, draw annual 
dividends for fifteen years,, or until the maturity of the policy. 
Of course, in case of death previous to the maturity of the policy, 
the full amount of the same would be paid, but there would be 
no return of any portion of the premium paid in advance. 

Very respectfully, (124) 

Mr. Samuel Jordan, 148. 

Albany, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

The new double Combination Accident and Health 
Policy, in addition to the benefits of the best Accident Insurance 
in the world, provides against disability from typhoid fever, pneu- 
monia, bronchitis, and eleven other prominent diseases. It also 
provides a large sum for total blindness or paralysis occasioned 
by disease. This policy is having a large sale. As you rep- 
resent us, you will be a participant in the commission of all 
policies that you place. (73) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. Richard Moorhead, 149. 

Bristol, N. C. 
Dear Sir : 

The various plans of life insurance offered by legal reserve, 
assessment, and fraternal societies, together with the varying 
premiums charged by the legal reserve companies for similar 
policies, some being participating and others non-participating, in 
others the dividends are annual and in some accumulated until 
a definite number of years have passed, make it almost impossible 
in a letter to give you a con*ect idea of Ufe insurance. Under 
the assessment system some associations collect post mortem, 
others collect premiums in advance, while still others collect a 
definite sum per month. In the fraternal societies some, couple 
sick-benefit with death-benefit ; others only give sick-benefit for 
a limited number of weeks ; and on some forms of policy con- 
tracts, the insured has the privilege of changing the beneficiary. 



82 Commercial Correspondence. 

Under others this change cannot be made without the consent of 
the beneficiary. Again, copartnership insurance is sometimes 
wanted on term plans. Some of them are renewable without 
medical examination ; others cannot he renewed, and are known 
as non-renewable term. Most of the so-called '*old line," or 
legal reser\''e companies, are using the Actuaries' Combined Ex- 
perience Mortality Table as the basis of calculation, together with 
3/4 fc or 4^ interest table, with a loading for expense of m^an- 
agement. Many insurers prefer to purchase endowment policies, 
while others will purchase limited payment policies. Others pre- 
fer limited payment policies with life annuities. Some buy ordi- 
nary life. Therefore if you will write and tell me what you de- 
sire to accomplish by insurance, it will afford me much pleasure 
to submit a plan exactly suitable to your desires. (260) 

Very truly yours, 

Charles Jackson, Esq., 150. 

Baltimore, Md. 
Dear Sir : 

We desire to present for your consideration all or any 
part of the unsold balance of the Harrisburg Light, Heat and 
Power Company, of Harrisburg, Pa., First Mortgage 5% Gold 
Bonds, due July i, 1924, without option of prior redemption. 
This issue of bonds was recently placed upon the market by us, 
in conjunction with one of the leading banking houses of this city, 
after we had made a most thorough examination of the Company' s 
property and the accounts of its predecessor, the Harrisburg 
Electric Company, and we are of the opinion that it is one of the 
best bonds ever offered. The Harrisburg Light, Heat and Power 
Company is the only Company supplying electricity for commer- 
cial use in the City of Harrisburg, which has a population esti- 
mated at over 60,000, and reference to the circular will show that 
the Company' s income during the past seven years has been very 
large, notwithstanding the occuiTence of two periods of business 
depression. The Company furnishes the City of Harrisburg with 



Commercial Correspondence. • S^ 

light for street lamps and city buildings, and also supplies the 
State Capitol Buildings and other large business houses, hotels 
and private residences. Considerable current is furnished for 
power purposes of small manufacturing plants, etc. , and this busi- 
ness is constantly increasing. 

The net earnings of the Company for the seven years, 
1892 to 1898 inclusive, have considerably exceeded 50% of the 
gross earnings, and the average net earnings per annum for the 
same period (^80,000) are more than one and one-half times the 
interest charge on the present issue of bonds, while for the year 
of 1898, the earnings are almost double the amount necessary for 
interest. Upon the showing made for the first eight months of 
the current year, we confidently expect the gross earnings for the 
full year to approximate ^190,000, and the net earnings amount 
to over ^100,000, or double the interest charges. 

The bond issue of ^1,000,000 does not fully represent the 
purchase price of the property. The capital of the Company is 
$1,000,000 in shares of $50 each, and we are informed that some 
of this stock has recently been sold in Harrisburg at $35 per 
share, or jofo of its par value. Taking this price as a basis, 
there is an equity in the property of $800,000, as represented by 
the market value of the stock, coming after these First Mortgage 
Bonds, which alone demonstrates conclusively the absolute value 
of the bonds. We have sold blocks of these bonds to Savings 
Banks, National and State Banks, besides numerous individual 
investors, and would be pleased to receive your order for such an 
amount as you may desire at 105 and interest, at which price the 
investment will yield over 4. 65^, free of all taxes in Pennsyl- 
vania. (5^0) 
Very truly yours. 

Prof. Charles Emmons, 151. 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir : 

Your name has been given us by Prof. Ring, of the South- 
ern University, as a prospective purchaser of a Projection Lantern 



84 Commercial Correspondence. 

outfit for your class room, and he asked us to write you in the 
matter. If you have an electric current in your building, as we 
presume you have, we would recommend our Hand Feed Elec- 
tric Lantern, there being nothing to equal this electric lantern in 
brilliancy of light and ease of manipulation. We have already 
placed it in a number of colleges. In case you have not the cur- 
rent, we would suggest the Calcium Light outfit, as that is second 
in brilliancy to the electric light, and is almost universally used 
where the current cannot be had. We are mailing you our cata- 
logue, in which you will find several styles illustrated and fully 
described, and if there is any further information we can give, we 
will be glad to do so. The prices as listed are net. (^5^) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. John Wurtz, 152. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

We have your favor of the loth inst. in reference to the 
purchase of a camera, and in reply would say that they can be 
bought for ^5.00 and over; the cheaper ones being the simple 
hand-cameras with single lenses and disc diaphragms, while the 
better ones are furnished with rectilinear lenses, iris diaphragms, 
patent shutter, ground glass for focusing, etc. We send here- 
with QUI catalogue, and would strongly recommend Camera A, 
listed on page 60. This camera, taking a 4 x 5 picture, would 
cost ^35. It has a double swing back, double sliding front, rack 
and pinion for focusing, new model shutter with iris diaphragm 
and pneumatic release which works without noise or jar. The 
ground glass is spring actuated, and recedes to allow the inser- 
tion of holders. Glass plates, cut and roll films may all be used 
used with this camera, the holders being interchangeable. The 
instrument can also be used with or without tripod. We think 
for an all-around camera you could not do better than this. Hop- 
ing to be favored with your order, we are (^79) 
Yours very truly. 



Commercial Correspondence. 85 

To the Chief Engineer, 153- 

Fargo Water Works, 

Fargo, N. Dak. 
Dear Sir : 

As is well known to every filter manufacturer and user, 
the greatest factor in the success of his plant depends largely upon 
the character of the precipitant employed. Unless the water has 
first been treated with the proper precipitant or coagulant, the 
necessary standard of efficiency cannot be reached. The impor- 
tance of sulphate of alumina in the purification of water needs no 
comment, the most successful filtering plants in existence to-day 
are those in which the method is carried out of first adding to the 
water a small quantity of sulphate of alumina and afterwards pass- 
ing it over the filter. From careful observation, we believe that 
many interested in this matter do not understand fully how to 
choose the alum most efficient for their purpose from the many 
sulphates of alumina now on the market. In general, it may be 
said that a filter alum should be of high purity and strength and 
should be basic ; this latter is a most important requirement. A 
basic alum is one that not only contains enough alumina for com- 
bination with the sulphuric acid present to form a neutral sul- 
phate of alumina, but also an excess of alumina. The purify- 
ing action of the alum depends upon the fact that the combined 
alumina is precipitated by the bases ( carbonate of lime, etc. ) in 
the water. The precipitate forms a flocculent mass which not 
only carries down with it any suspended substance, but also re- 
moves any coloring or organic matter ; and, as a basic sulphate 
of alumina will produce a larger quantity of precipitate with the 
same quantity and quality of water than a neutral or sour alum 
would, it is evident that the more basic an alum is, the greater 
will be its efficiency as a purifying agent. With these facts be- 
fore us, we have directed our investigations for some years towards 
the production of such an alum, and, as a result, can now ofter our 
Water Clearing Alum, which not only represents the highest 
standard of purity and strength, but also contains the highest 



S6 ■ Commercial Correspondence. 

possible amount of uncombined alumina. This alum contains 
from 54 to 55% of soluble basic sulphate of alumina, with an 
excess of from 1.5 to 2^ of alumina. It is impossible to in- 
crease these figures. In a word, the particular needs of water 
companies are more fully served by our special Water Clearing 
Alum than anything which has yet been devised ; and, in be- 
speaking your kind notice of the little pamphlet on ^ ' Water Puri- 
fication ' ' sent you by separate mail, we shall trust to learn speed- 
ily that you are interested in what we offer, and to have an op- 
portimity to quote prices with a view to securing your orders. 

Y ours very truly, ( 45 ^ ) 

Mr. John Carbutt, 154. 

Cheyenne, W^yo. 
Dear Sir : 

We believe you will soon be in need of a stock of paint, 
and very earnestly ask you to consider the merits of our well 
known brand. This ready mixed paint is made upon a basis of 
white lead and zinc white only, so far as white pigment is re- 
quired in the color produced, and with the finest grade of linseed 
oil prepared so as to insure the utmost durability. We know 
that there are cheaper paints in the market than ours, some you 
might buy for half a dollar a gallon less ; but if you will analyze 
them, you will invariably find that, even if the oil is pure, barytes, 
w^hiting, or clay are substituted for the white lead and zinc white 
pigment. Now, barytes, whiting, and clay are not recognized by 
painters in any sense as pigments ; they do not possess the quali- 
ties of body and opacity ; in other words, if you were to grind 
these in oil and mix them up to the proper consistency for paint- 
ing, you could not cover your work if you applied half a dozen 
coats. The result of this is, that if you estimate for a customer 
the cost of the material really required for a house, you will find 
that in the case of our paint it will be less than with any other 
paint, no matter how much cheaper per gallon in first cost the 
other may be. Another point in favor of our paint is that the 



Commercial Correspondence. 87 

colors are brighter and cleaner than those of any other make, 
simply because we are so very particular in regard to the coloring 
or staining pigments used ; many manufacturers are indifferent in 
this respect, with the consequence of giving dull tints. The sam- 
ple cards enclosed herewith indicate the beauty of our colors. We 
enclose also some other pieces of advertising matter which will 
interest you. We offer you these paints in i, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 25 
gallon packages, in half-barrels and barrels, at the specially low 
figure of ^1.50 per gallon net, for the colors listed on the cards 
at ^2.50; each higher-priced class will be 35 cents per gallon 
more, net. These quotations are f. o. b. this city, and our terms 
to approved credit (in which list you appear) are 60 days net or 
• i/^ % discount if payment be made within 15 days from date o^ 
invoice. We supply attractive advertising matter in generous 
quantities to our agents, protect them in their neighborhood, and, 
in fact, do everything possible to enable him to establish a profit- 
able and lasting trade. May we not hear from you with a good, 
round order for stock? (454) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Frederick Converse, 155. 

Rome, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

We have your No. 70 from Cayuga ; our No. 74 ^'^'^^ 
mailed to Hanover House, Utica, N. Y. ," yesterday. Concerning 
the distribution of advertising matter, we would repeat that we 
are quite willing to supply this in liberal quantities to customers, 
in fact, we have made very serious and costly errors on the side 
of liberality. We wish you to bear in mind at all times that this 
advertising matter, while it costs us a great deal of money ( some 
years the bills amount to $25,000), costs our customers nothing ; 
it is an invariable rule that little or no value is placed upon any- 
thing that costs the recipient nothing. We have found that, of 
the advertising matter that has heretofore been supplied in 
quantities to our customers, not over one-third has been used ; 



88 Commercial Correspondence. 

we have seen quantities of it stowed away in dark comers until 
completely ruined from dust and age. It gives us pleasure to 
provide these things when we can feel assured that a prompt and 
correct use of them will be made. Even where a concern will 
distribute advertising matter liberally, we would prefer to send 
small lots frequently than a large quantity at one time. These 
are matters for you to keep in mind, as you may either save us 
money by preventing a waste of advertising matter, or make us 
money by seeing that what is sent out is properly used. It rests 
with our representatives to see that the large expenditure we 
make in the direction of advertising is turned to all possible 
account. (^59) 

Yours truly, 
Messrs. Homer, Cook, & Co., 156. 

Crestline, O. 
Gentlemen : 

We have pleasure in acknowledging receipt of your check 
for ^175.25, which you send in settlement of invoices of August 
4 and 18. We would point out, however, that owing to several 
errors on the part of your bookkeeper in making up the account, 
we cannot accept this amount in full settlement. In the first 
place, cash discount of 2 ^ has been taken, whereas the account 
has run beyond its full time ; to enjoy such discount it would 
have been necessary to remit within fifteen days from date of 
invoice. As a matter of fact, some interest for overtime is due 
us, almost a month on invoice of August 18, and more than that 
period on bill of August 4, our terms to you being 60 days net. 
Then, you have deducted the entire freight, $19, instead of 
observing our terms of freight equalization with Pittsburgh ; in 
other words, the only sum due you for freight is what it would 
cost to get the goods from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, we placing 
ourselves on a competitive basis with that city, and agreeing that 
in buying from us you will not have to pay a premium on account 
of the distance, but will pay the same as if you actually bought in 



Commercial Correspondence. 89 

Pittsburg. Again, you have deducted the value of the packages 
containing Unseed oil and turpentine ; whereas our prices were 
made on the basis of these barrels being returned to us, without 
any charge following, other than the freight on same. We 
enclose a statement showing the amount of ^16 for these various 
erroneous deductions, etc. , and shall be pleased either to receive 
your check for this sum, or to have you include it in your next 
settlement. 

We trust that the foregoing will be clear and satisfactory, 
and soliciting your further commands, we are ( 304 ) 

Yours very truly, 

The Imperial Iron Co., 157. 

Braddock, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

In response to your inquiry about our rust-preventing 
paint, we beg to state that we have given years to the study of 
rust prevention, and after having proved its value upon our own 
buildings, which are subjected to the severity of acid fumes, etc. , 
we were encouraged to place it upon the market a short time ago. 
The success which we are meeting in all directions is most 
gratifying and convincing. This rust-preventing paint owes its 
great merit to the fact that it is composed of absolutely imperish- 
able pigments mixed with a thinner which, when dry, covers 
the metal with a hermetic seal that cannot be penetrated by 
either moisture or gases. To these qualities are added high 
elasticity and durability, which prevent it from being injured by 
frictional influences. Our paint has been found specially 
appropriate for use by railroads on their structural iron bridges, 
metal roofs, etc. The strongest points of this paint are, in brief: 
it covers more surface per gallon than other paints which are 
now used for the protection of iron ; it covers much more than 
ordinary linseed oil paint, and four or five times as much as 
cheap asphaltum paint, which latter is cheap only in its price per 



go - Commercial Correspondence. 

gallon, the amount required being so great as to make it really 
expensive for a given piece of work ; it works very freely, and is 
easily brushed out, so that the painter can apply more of it in a 
fixed time than of other paints ; it makes a tough, durable coat - 
ing that is not injured by the expansion and contraction of the 
metal, or by changes of temperature, which would cause other 
paints to chip and scale. Its strongest point is that it is 
absolutely impervious to moisture and gases, as above stated, 
and prevents rust by barring out all rust- producing agencies. 
We shall be glad to have you make a trial of this paint on some 
of your work, and await your requisition accordingly. (332) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Kirby & Son, 158. 

Chicago, 111. 
Gentlemen : 

Referring to our conversation over the telephone to-day, 
you may enter our order for one carload of Gilders' Whiting at 
the price named, 60 cents per loo ibs., and make shipment 
next week. We are surprised to learn of the advance in the 
price of these goods, as we have not kept in touch with the 
market, depending on your taking care of us in this respect. We 
had already sent you an order for one more carload of English 
Cliffstone Paris White, which we sincerely trust you will be 
successful in having accepted. Kindly advise by return mail if 
possible ; if not, by Monday next, just what you are able to 
accomplish in Paris White. Give us your opinion in full as to 
what the probable outcome will be, as we desire to protect our- 
selves while there is time. Any information given us will be 
regarded as strictly confidential, and we shall not negotiate with 
any other concern for our wants in this line. When we are 
again in the market for Palm Oil, rest assured you will hear from 
us. (182) 

Yours truly, 



Commercial Correspondence. 91 

Messrs. Dickens Bros., 159* 

Paterson, N. J. 
Dear Sirs : 

We have your favor of the 21st inst. , and the sample of 
gum tragacanth which you sent us is also at hand. We regret to 
say that we have nothing in stock which will match the sample 
you sent us, as it is a mixed gum containing some pieces which 
would be cheap at 30 cents per pound. We are mailing you to- 
day sample No. 703 at 25 cents per R)., a very good gum for the 
money, considering the present state of the market for this 
article. We hope to hear from you with an order, and remain 
Very truly yours, ( 99 ) 

Messrs. Loeb and Weil, 160. 

Hamburg, Germany. 
Dear Sirs : 

W^e are in receipt of your favor of the 24th ult. , and beg 
to refer to our last of the 27th ult. We wish to inform you to- 
day that until now we had not received any advice of your 
opening with us a credit for ^^200 in London, and we should 
like to know whether the credit has been opened at the Credit 
Lyonnais, London, as formerly. The amount of ;z£"200, for 
which you cabled the credit, is too small, as the invoice amount 
will be at least ;!f 225 ; and we therefore request you to open us 
a credit for this amount per cable at the receipt of this letter. 
The 15 tons will be sent off in the next few days and may arrive 
at Hamburg in about a fortnight, as we have sent them by fast 
boat down to Hamburg. The market of carbonate of potash 
continues to be very firm, and we think that prices will advance 
further, owing to the scarcity of the raw material and the very 
active demand from all parts of the world. We are writing to- 
day to the Credit Lyonnais, London, inquiring whether they 
have opened us the credit of ;if 200. We await your reply and 
meantime, we are (209) 

Yours very truly, 



92 Commercial Correspondence. 

Messrs. Legrand & Roger, i6i. 

Havre, France. 
Dear Sirs : 

We beg to acknowledge receipt of your favors of loth and 
13th inst. We regret very much that our offer for calcined pot- 
ash, 60-65, has had no result. As we wrote you, the success of 
our efforts was not so much in the price, which we recognize to 
be high, as in the fact that we had the option on the goods ; and 
it is now next to impossible to get offers at any price, the ad- 
vance being due to scarcity of new material. We have forwarded 
you this week through our New York office samples of degras. 
The article we are sending you is the very best on this market 
and used by most of the first-class tanners. It is better in quality 
than any other at the same price. This is not a wool degras, 
but is much superior, being the extract or grease obtained from 
the skins during the process of making the present style of 
chamois skins. The superior results obtained by its use over 
that of a like quantity of inferior degras, more than compensate for 
the difference in price, and therefore it is an economy to employ 
this grade. In reply to your inquiry as to the amount of duty 
this article pays in the U. S., we would state that on several 
shipments we have been compelled to pay ^^ cent per pound as 
*' degi-as," but we have protested against this, as the article 
should enter free as a leather ' ' grease ' ' dressing, which it 
really is. We are not yet informed of the final settlement of this 
question, and we have therefore requested our New York off.ce 
to inform you regarding this when forwarding you the samples. 
We have quoted you herewith a price that is independent of any 
competition, and we trust that we shall soon hear favorably from 
you regarding the same. Please note cable word for this article : 
*' Adam." Barrels contain about 275 kilos. (326) 

Yours very truly, 



Commercial Correspondence. 93 

Parker Boiler Works, 162. 

Allentown, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Railroad freights on bituminous coal are likely to be 
changed to a higher basis on April I, at which time nearly all 
existing contracts expire. We should like to draw your attention 
to our Cumberland and Clearfield coals for forge, glass, rolling 
mill, and steam purposes, and our Youhiogheny and West Vir- 
ginia gas coals for the production of illuminating gas, for use in 
open hearths, for the manufacture of steel, for brick burning of 
various kinds, or for steam use. We would suggest that you 
make a trial of one of the above coals this month or next, Vv^hen, 
if the coal proves satisfactory, we should be pleased to name you 
a price for your supply for the coming season. ( l^^) 

Yours truly, 
The Catasauqua Iron and Steel Co., 163. 

Catasauqua, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We take pleasure in quoting you our figures on our coke 
and gas coals, as per your inquiry of the 1 8th, as follows : 
Straight Connellsville Coke (within the Bessemer limit) $3 per 
ton of 2000 lbs. f. o. b. cars at ovens, for three cars per day 
from January I, 1900, to January I, 1 901 ; shipment to be made 
to your furnace at above point and not to be applicable to West- 
ern consignments. In gas coals, our Youghiogheny coal is one 
of the few low-sulphur gas coals suitable for the open hearth, 
steel purposes, etc. On this we name you a price of ^1.75 per 
gross ton at mines ; rate of freight to destination, Catasauqua, 
^1.45 per gross ton, making delivered price, either Philadelphia 
and Reading Railway, Lehigh Valley, or Central R. R. of New 
Jersey, $3.20 per gross ton, Catasauqua, Pa. We reserve the 
option to ship over either of the roads named above. The con- 
tract is to be subject to car supply, accidents, and all other con- 
tingencies covering sales of this description ; railroad weights to 



94 Commercial Correspondence. 

govern settlements. Terms as usual, cash on the 15th day of the 
month following shipments. 

Thanking you for the inquiry and trusting that you may 
favor us with your business, we remain (^^o) 

Yours truly, 
Messrs. Palmer & Gilby, 164. 

London, E. C, England. • 
Gentlemen : 

We supplied the steamship ^'Afghanistan" with 330 
tons of coal in Baltimore. We have had some difficulty with 
this ship, the result of which is that the captain refused to sign a 
draft upon his owners in payment of the same. We had con- 
templated holding the ship for the bill, but concluded it might 
not be in accordance with your desires and might be bad policy 
to put the owners to such annoyance on account of the errors of 
their captain and agents in Baltimore. Enclosed we send you a 
copy of the letter from our Baltimore office, setting out fully the 
trouble with this boat. It appears they ordered the coal origi- 
nally to Wheeler's Stores, and then afterwards denied that, 
claiming it was ordered to Union Stores. The error was un- 
doubtedly theirs and we were not disposed to pay any such 
charges as they demanded. We have charged your account 
with the amount of the bill, and suppose you will have no diffi- 
culty in collecting the same from the owners. If, owing to this 
friction, you should not make a contract with them for next year, 
we take it that the price is to stand at $3.50 per ton alongside at 
Baltimore. We therefore await your full advice upon the 
subject. (210) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Sanderson & Son, 165. 

Elkton, Md. 
Gentlemen : 

We are in receipt of your letter under date of September 
I and note the contents. As you are purchasing some coal at 



Commercial Correspondence. 95 

#2.10 per ton delivered, we therefore will charge you 75 cents 
per ton for the two cars that we have shipped you, and, as the 
freight is ^1.35 per gross ton, this would make ^2.10 delivered, 
which which we understand is your lowest purchasing price. 
You no doubt made this arrangement sometime since, as coal 
to-day is worth a great deal more money. We had no thought of 
offering you our coal at the present time, because we understood 
that your arrangements were made until the early part of next 
year ; but we were in hopes that you would find the same differ- 
ence between the coal which we have shipped you and that 
which you have been accustomed to use, as has been found by 
the Williamstown Fire Brick Works in the burning of their 
brick. Your men could not become accustomed to the change 
of coal in the use of two or three cars, but would probably 
require running upon a new fuel for several weeks, until they 
became thoroughly acquainted with it. 

However, we hope this may lead you to inquire of us 
when you are in the market for your next coal supply. We 
could furnish you the same kind of coal that you have been pur- 
chasing from other people, if you decided on that variety as the 
best for your purpose. Thanking you for your courtesy in the 
matter, we remain (264) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Wilbur Moody, General Supt., 166. 

Kingston Mines, Penna. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to our conversation by telephone, in which you 
gave us the result of the first drill dole at 154 feet, would say 
that this certainly looks like the "A" seam. The fact tliat 
they passed through i foot 10 inches of coal at loi feet would 
look also as though that was the " B " seam ; and their finding 
at 120 feet, li inches more of coal would indicate that there is 
a disturbance at that point such as we quite fi*equently meet with 
in the mining of the " B " seam. It looks as though the measures 



96 Commercial Correspondence. 

had thickened up and that the benches of coal were widely 
separated. \Vhat is the character of the strata between the I 
foot 10 inches and the II inches? We would like you to send 
us a pencil sketch, showing the location of the shaft, the hole 
just drilled, and the old drill hole away ahead of us towards 
Antrim ; also marking on the edges the Bristol Slope, the Acme 
Mine, and other openings w^hich indicate the coal about us. It 
is quite evident to us that there is some disturbance at that par- 
ticular point. We think it advisable to put down a hole on the 
flat ahead of the main heading next, and by that time you will 
have carefully considered the surface conditions and where it 
might be possible to put down another hole in front of the Flat- 
rock heading. This can be done either before or after we put 
the hole down back of the big fault. In thinking over the ques- 
tion of changing our attorney at Wilkes-Barre, we have reached 
the conclusion that at the present time it would be unwise to do 
so, because, in conversation wdth another lawyer from that town 
last evening, we discovered that Mr. McDowell is the counsel 
for the Northern R. R. and Braiderstown R. R. Companies ; 
whereas Judge Weaver is not affiliated with either, and, as there 
is no telling what might occur, we do not think it would be 
advisable for us to transfer our business to Mr. McDowell under 
the existing conditions. (359) 

Yours very truly, 
George W. Hedges, Car Accountant, 167. 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir : 

We acknowledge the receipt of your letters under date of 
Nov. 3 and 4, and are much pleased to know that you have 
referred to your Traffic Manager, Mr. Bliss, the question of your 
agents, the Shore Line, confiscating our coal in transit, when 
consigned to ourselves at tidewater for use on our tidewater con- 
tracts. We are this morning advised of their having made another 
seizure, and this is occasioning us very serious inconvenience. 



Commercial Correspondence. 97 

In answer to your inquiry as to our capacity at Kingston, 
would say that we have at that place, on your road, machin- 
ery and development sufficient to produce sixty-five cars of coal 
per day without any difficulty, and keep it up continuously. 
Owing, however, to the very insufficient supply of cars which we 
have been receiving from your road for the past year, the crew of 
men which we ordinarily have at that place has been unable to 
receive anything like full work, and you can readily understand 
how at a time like this, when labor is in demand throughout the 
entire country, that the men would not stay with us in idleness. 
Therefore we have lost a very large portion of our crew, and 
to-day we doubt whether we could load over forty-five cars per 
day. If, however, we received a full supply of cars regularly, 
and with some assurance that it would continue, then there 
would be a possibility of our regaining our men : but as it is 
now, there is a very strong probability ot our losing a large part 
of our present crew, and the result of that would be our inability 
to ship any coal for either your supply or any other purpose. 
You can thus see under what difficulties we are laboring, and the 
basis of our entire trouble is lack of cars. The capacity of the 
Victoria Mine in Cambria county will by next Monday be twelve 
cars per day in place of ten, and will shortly thereafter be 
increased to fourteen. As you know, this is entirely set aside for 
your supply coal, and we have written to Mr. Savage asking him 
to keep up a full supply of cars ; if that is done, we can give you 
from that operation during the month of November at least 7,000 
tons of coal. 

Hoping we have made the entire situation plain to you, 

we remain (392) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. Theodore Heath, Agent, 168. 

Fall River, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

We have before us your letters under date of September 12, 
and you are quite right in your interpretation of our thought 



98 Commercial Correspondence. 

relative to selling coal to Messrs. Branson & Co. We would be 
willing to furnish a certain amount for shipment this month, but 
we do not wish to tie ourselves up for a delivery running over a 
period of time, when there is a very strong probability of an 
increase in the price of coal as well as an advance in vessel 
freights. In regard to Messrs. Green & Rand's having received 
from the Fitchburg R. R. Co. coal in H. & B. T. cars, Nos. 
1 641 and 561, would say that in order to trace these we must 
have the dates of original shipment. We cannot find that we 
have shipped car No. 1 64 1 at any time. We find that car No. 
561 was shipped by us to the Fitchburg R. R. Co. in May last, 
but the weights mentioned by you do not agree with our own ; 
therefore, before we can do anything with it, we must ask that 
Messrs. Green & Rand secure from the Fitchburg R. R. Co. their 
information as to the dates of original shipment. You evidently 
have misunderstood us in the Eastwood Coal Co. matter. We 
did not expect the Brighton & Boston Street Ry. Co. would pur- 
chase their year's supply of coal from us without a thorough 
knowledge of the fuel offered ; but what we had endeavored to 
make plain to you was the fact that we did not wish to give them 
the option of demanding or declining 3000 tons additional of our 
coal during this month We would be willing to sell them at a 
price to be fixed now, 3000 tons in addition to the one barge 
which we are loading ; or, we would be willing to sell them, at 
a price to be agreed upon when they were ready to place the 
order, that quantity of coal or more. But we wished you to 
understand that we did not think it good policy at the present 
time, on a rising market and with every appearance of coal's 
being scarce and much higher in price, to give options to pur- 
chasers. It is better to keep in touch with buyers ; and we our- 
selves accept the risk of selling them at an increase in price. 
We have carried things over the dull season of the summer, and 
now, with the prospect of reaping a profit, we do not wish to tie 
ourselves up in a way which may not be advantageous. We 



Commercial Correspondence. 99 

carefully note what you say regarding the coal supplied the 
Green Star Line and the report which we received. We think 
you have an excellent chance to throw all the burden of the com- 
plaint upon the cargo supplied by the Massachusetts Coal Co. , as 
the Green Star people themselves say that the coal was not good, 
and the very fact that one ship made no complaint, and that, in 
the case of the two others, the complaint was very slight, argues 
to our minds, from the knowledge we have of the business, that 
that the coal was satisfactory ; otherwise, the complaint would 
have been very pronounced from all parties. You can urge this 
upon Mr. Slocum and feel confident that we can supply them 
with a fuel which would in the long run prove satisfactory. Of 
course, we do not wish any more test cargoes at the low prices 
fixed for the previous ones. (55^) 

Yours very truly, 
Mr. Alexander Hutton, 

Harrisburg, Pa. 169. 

Dear Sir : 

I return you herewith correspondence in reference to the 
proposed line to the Jones Kaolin Company's Works, in Beaver, 
Pa., together with blue print No. 3854, showing the location of 
the Kaolin Works. We made several appointments with Mr. 
Jones, to make a reconnaissance of this country, but for various 

f^ reasons were never able to meet until last week, when Mr. 

)^ Jones took me over the country from Maddock Station. We 

fc/ drove along the Western Railroad to a point south of Wilson 

Station, thence we cut across the country, following as closely as 
possible to the red line shown on the blue print, which we think 
is the most feasible route that can be followed if a line were built 
from the Kaolin Works to the Western Railroad. The objection 
to this route, which would be 4.8 miles long, is that a ridge 
will have to be crossed, the highest point of which is shown at 
"S" on the print. The grades from "F" to "S'' and from 
*' S " to '*0" would be rather steep. The country through 



loo Commercial Correspondence. 

which we would pass from ''M" to "F" is bottom land, but 
we can follow a small stream and not cut up the fields very much. 
From < ' F " to * * S " the country is rougher, and I think the right 
of way would not cost much. From " O " to " B," and thence 
to <«N" is rather fine open country, mostly good farm land. 
Exclusive of the right of way, which I believe could be acquired, 
with one exception, for a very reasonable sum of money, the route 
from '' M " to '* N " (shown in red), could be built for $40,000. 
The route along this line has no industries that would give us any 
business other than that required by any farming district, to wit : 
a little coal, some lime, and fertilizer. The lime stone quarries 
at " B" could be reached by a siding ; the lime stone is plenti- 
ful, and I presume the lime would be a valuable product for the 
lower counties of Pennsylvania. At ''N" there is an inex- 
haustible supply of the very finest Kaolin in the world. The 
beds from which they dig this Kaolin are located in a low, 
marshy piece of ground, from which it is somewhat difBcult to 
haul with wagons. In addition to the numerous buildings for 
preparing the Kaolin for the market, they have an extensive fire- 
brick plant, which was operated for several years, until they 
could no longer meet the market price, on account of getting 
their product to market by wagons. The furnaces in which they 
bum this brick are still in good condition, and we understand 
that the fire-brick always brought the best price in the market. 
The brick is made from one of the products washed from the 
Kaolin. This line, if built, should be mider charge of the main 
division, and could be projected south-eastwardly towards Mil- 
lerstown. The section of country between "N" and Millers- 
town is full of Kaolin. The country between Millerstown and the 
Jones Kaolin Works is fair farming land, and I have no doubt 
that, if the line is opened, some of the large pottery works in the 
eastern part of the State would soon open up more pits. 

Yours truly, (617) 



Commercial Correspondence. ioi 

Mr. John Brand, 170. 

Manchester, England. 
Dear Sir : 

We beg to acknowledge the receipt of your valued favor 
dated Aug. I5) in which you hand us your first sample order, 
and also include instructions as to the manufacture of three 
dozen stiif hats and four dozen soft hats. We use this occasion 
to thank you for the order, which we need hardly say is now 
receiving our careful attention. 

Advertising Matter : Your request for catalog and other 
advertising matter, we have already attended to by mailing you 
an English catalog, fashion plates, window tickets, two window 
cards of self- conforming hats, and color card. We have also 
laid aside, for shipment with your order, a series of six electro- 
types for circular and newspaper advertising, and also two of our 
large glass signs. We regret exceedingly that the original 
catalog sent you was, through an error, printed in Spanish. 

Changes in Order : From the text of your letter we have 
concluded that you thought the Galena style was the same hat 
sold by Fox Bros. & Co. , who, by the way, have been very 
successful in handling our hats, but as this is not the hat sold by 
them, we have changed it to " Directly," boss raw edge, kettle 
finish hat, proportions 6x3, which is the hat referred to as 
Duplicate A 7 27 2. 

We are somewhat in doubt as to what you mean by 
'* drab color," and, as nutria fur does not take a very satisfactory 
grey color (which we refer is the same as drab), we are making 
up the hats thus ordered in color Belgium belly. By referring 
to the color card mailed you a few days ago, you will note what 
this color is. We think you will be pleased with it, as it is the 
most popular export color. 

Stiff Hats : We have noted your instructions as to the 
widening of the brim of the stiff hats ordered, and we have made 
these corrections in each instance. The blocks you have 
selected will certainly stand the additional width of brim. 



I02 Commercial Correspondence. 

Samples : We are forwarding with this order, as sug- 
gested by you, a collection of half a dozen stiff hat samples of 
the latest design, and made up in the three grades we manu- 
facture, viz : No. I grade at $30 per dozen ; BWHS grade at 
$^1, per dozen ; and the extra grade at ^36 per dozen. We are 
also desirous of explaining that, in stiff hats, we manufacture a 
special light hat, which may be known as the * ' Zephyr ' ' 
weight ; a regular weight hat ; and also a self- conforming grade, 
which is very flexible. We have concluded a few of each kind 
in this half dozen samples, and request that you will examine 
them carefully. We have also forwarded 8-12 dozen soft hats, 
some of which are made up in the nutria grade at $42 per dozen, 
and the others in the real nutria grade at ^48 per dozen= These 
samples also include all the most popular colors we are making 
in stiff and soft hats. We trust, on receipt of these samples, and 
after examining them and testing them with your trade, you will 
conclude to make our hats the feature of your fine hat depart- 
ment. 

Size Differences : English sizes are one larger than the 
scale adopted in this country, as you will note by referring to the 
table shown in our catalog ; that is, an English 67-8 size is the 
same as the American 7. We are making up your hats accord- 
ing to the English range of sizes given, and we shall mark them 
accordingly. 

Sole Agency : As arranged with Mr. Gordon, we here- 
with agree to give you the sole agency for our hats in the City of 
Manchester, England, in consideration of your promise to use 
every reasonable effort to introduce our goods in your district, 
and every order coming to us hereafter from Manchester we shall 
refer to yourself. 

Terms : Our terms are as follows : 6fo discount, when 
account is paid ten days after date of invoice ; 5 % ? i^ ipaid in 
thirty days after date of invoice ; 3 % , in sixty days ; lfo,i'o. 
ninety days. All accounts must be settled in Philadelphia four 
months after date of invoice. 



Commercial Correspondence. 103 

Now that we have entered into business relations with 
you, we trust you will remember that we are ready to co-operate 
with you by every means in our power in order to make this sole 
agency of mutual profit. If there are any styles which promise 
to become popular in your district, which we can make up for 
you in fine hats, we request you to forward us a sample, and in 
order that you may keep in touch with the various new styles we 
are designing each season, we shall not only forward you our 
seasonal fashion plate, and other new advertising matter which 
we issue from time to time, but will also include a few new 
samples with each shipment. The sample order now in course 
of manufacture will be ready for shipment on Nov. I, and will 
be shipped direct to Manchester by the first steamer leaving the 
port of New York after that date. We also agree to deliver 
goods f. o. b. steamer at New York, which means that v/e pre- 
pay the freight from this city to the steamer' s side. 

Trusting that these goods will please you on arrival, and 
that you will be successful with them, and awaiting your further 
valued commands, we remain (904) 

Yours faithfully. 
Electric Light, Heat and Power Company, 171. 

St Louis, Mo. 
Gentlemen : 

Replying to your inquiry of the 6th inst. , would say that 
we shall be pleased to repair the Shafer Recording Watt Meter 
for you, but it will be impossible for us to give you an estimate 
on the repairs until we see the instrument. Our charges will be 
for the labor, at the rate of 60 cents per hour, and for the mate- 
rials consumed. (64) 

Yours respectfully, 
Mr. Charles Bryant, 172. 

Wilmington, N. C. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to that part of your letter of the 12th ult. , which 
refers to starting apparatus for elevator motor, we beg to write 



I04 Commercial Correspondence. 

you as follows : We will furnish you with an approved, auto- 
matic box, install the same, and furnish the necessary ropes and 
pulleys, for the sum of $25 net. Hoping to receive your order, 
which will have our prompt attention, we are (64) 

Yours respectfully. 
Electric Illuminating Company, 173. 

Sandusky, O. 
Dear Sirs : 

Replying to yours of recent date, would say that we have 
shipped a lot of No. 14 rubber covered wire. We have also 
shipped you the porcelain tubes 5-16x3; also the cord adjusters 
and fuse plugs. The weather-proof wire has been ordered from 
the factory to go direct, and the galvanized iron wire we expect to 
ship this week. Shipment on all kinds of copper wire is very 
slow and we can assure you that we are doing the best we can. 
As w^e have never had the pleasure of doing business with you, 
we shall be obliged if you will send us as reference the names of 
two or three people with whom you have been doing business. 
We will look them up and, if satisfactory, we shall be glad to 
open an account with you. Your early reply will be appreciated. 
Yours respectfully, (^45) 

Illuminating, Heat and Power Company, 174. 

Lexington, Ky. 
Dear Sirs : 

In accordance with the conversation we had with you 
yesterday, we send you by freight to-day samples of the follow- 
ing supplies, on which we will make you quotation in a few 
days : 

Fire and Weather-proof wire, 

Rubber covered wire. 

Concealed rosettes, with fuses, 

Three-wire link, fuse cutouts. No. 1265, 

Plug cutouts. No. 62165, 

Edison Key sockets, fibre lined, No. 9386, 



Commercial Correspondence. 105 

Edison extension plugs, 

16 Candle power, no volts, Edison base lamp, 

^^^ Circular loom tube, 

Fire-proof silk cord, 

Three-wire moulding, No. 5- 

The flexible tube is furnished in coils of 250 feet. We 
have all this material in stock and hope to be favored with your 
inquiries. (^^3) 

Yours respectfully, 

Messrs. Armstrong & Bell, 175. 

Memphis, Tenn. 
Gentlemen : 

Replying to yours of the 3d inst. , we enclose you our Engi- 
neering Notice No. 114, regarding 3000 ampere dynamo, 2 
volts. We quote you with the exciter and rheostat, the sum 
of ^750. With rheostat, but without exciter, in case you 
can get no volt constant potential circuit, ^620.50. We enclose 
blue print of machine which we have never built, capacity of 
which is 6000 amperes and I to 4 volts, according to, the speed, 
the speed being about 10 revolutions per minute, per volt. Since, 
however, it would take a long time to get this out, we would 
advise, in case you need more than 3000 amperes, to use a num- 
ber of the machines, details of which we are giving you in our 
Engineering Notice. If you do not need as much as 3000 
amperes, we can give you figures on smaller machines. Hoping 
to receive your esteemed order, we are (^5^) 

Very truly yours, 
The Parrish Machinery Company, 176. 

Lewistown, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Answering yours of 1st, we quote you on 10,000 porce- 
lain insulators No. 5, ^3.90 per looo. On larger sizes when 
ordered in lots of strictly 1000, or more, we will quote you a 
discount of 5 per cent, from the standard list. Referring 
further to yours of the 31st ult., regarding freight and cartage 



io6 Commercial Correspondence. 

paid on rheostats, which were not shipped with the generators as 
they should have been, you are partially correct, as the freight on 
the rheostats does not cost us any more by shipping them sepa- 
rately, than by shipping them with the dynamo. However, this 
does not apply to the hauling. We had to haul these rheostats 
and dynamo from the freight depot to the wharf, and we could 
have hauled the entire consignment down as cheaply as we 
could haul the two lots shipped separately. We therefore send 
you corrected bill for the hauling only. (^49) 

Yours respectfully, 
Mr. George J. Handy, 177. 

Phillipsburg, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to yours of the 21st inst., in regard to booster 
set, we beg to state that we can furnish you a 30 kilowatt motor, 
directly connected to two 15 kilowatt booster dynamos, wound 
for a maximum of 15 volts, combination to run at 750 revolutions 
per minute, all to be mounted on an iron sub-base, equipped 
with self-oiling bearings ; the motor to have carbon brushes, and 
boosters to have copper brushes. We include an automatic 
starting box, and will prepay the freight from New York to 
Phillipsburg, all for ^1975. For an additional $550 w^e will furnish 
two special rheostats to be controlled by worm wheel and worm 
gear from a small motor, as described by you. We do not make 
rheostats or small motors, but would have to buy them. If you 
can get the controller outfit cheaper in Philadelphia, we have no 
objections to your doing so. We thank you for the inquiry, and 
hope to be favored with your order. ( ^^5 ) 

Yours very truly. 

Col. Edward Markoe, 178. 

Norwich, Conn. 
Dear Sir : 

I submit herewith a report of tests made for you on seven 
gasoline Welsbach burners to ascertain the candle-power which 
could be obtained from them. They were made on September 



Commercial Correspondence. 107 

30, 1899, in the Porter Photometer Laboratory. The burners 
were brought us by Mr. John Harper, who superintended the 
lighting of the burners and the adjustments made on them. At 
his request I marked them so they could be distinguished one 
from the other, or so the whole lot could be identified at any 
future time. The burners when tested were in a lantern of the 
style used on the streets of the City of New Haven under your 
contract with the city, and with the same drop from tank to 
burner. The glass toward the photometer car was removed ; the 
gasoline was supplied by Mr. Plarper ; the mantles were also 
brought by him and were taken at random from the lot he had, 
except that any having odd shapes -or imperfections were dis- 
carded. The results are given in the accompanying table, which 
shows for each burner the candle power obtained both with a 
Welsbach mantle and with a Bosco mantle. Chimneys were 
used over the mantles in each of these tes-s, but owing to changes 
made in them from time to time no record of the sort used is 
given. They were of good quality and of clear glass. Adjust- 
ments were made in all cases to ascertain what the burners 
could do. (243) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Hutton & Howell, 179. 

Madison, Wis. 
Dear Sirs : 

Replying to your favor of the 3d ult. to our Chicago 
office, we would recommend that you install in the water power 
plant : 

One 50 kilowatt 60 cycle 2 phase alternator with switch 

board and instruments for same. 
Two 25 kilowatt step-up transformers. 
Two 25 kilowatt step-down transformers. 
One 40-horse power 2 phase motor and the necessary instru- 
ments for same. 
Cost of all the above, 



io8 Commercial Correspondence. 

You would require also the following wiring material : 

24 miles, approximately, No. 8 double weather-proof line 

wire. 
300 Four pin cross arms. 
75 Two pin cross arms. 
750 Lag screws. 
600 Cross arm braces. 
1350 Locust pins. 

1 150 Double pole double groove glass insulators. 
Cost of the above, ^1945. 
It is the intention to run 5000 volts from the power house to 
the step -down transformers for the motor ; beyond that point to 
use 2000 volts for general lighting distribution. ( 147) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Freeman & Co., 180. 

Chicago, 111. 
Gentlemen : 

We propose for the sum of ^360 to furnish you f. o. b. 
cars, Chicago, 111., within six weeks from receipt of order, one 
2^ kilowatt motor-driven alternator as here described : 

This equipment will consist of one 2^ kilowatt 4 pole 
220 volt motor mounted on an iron sub-base and coupled to a 
2^ kilowatt 6 pole alternator, both running at a speed of 1200 
revolutions a minute. Both machines will be equipped with 
self-oiling and self-aligning bearings, sight feed oil guages, venti- 
lated armatures, and carbon brushes. The alternator will be 
wound for 104 volts, but with a range of ten volts above or below 
that point. We will furnish a field rheostat for the alterna- 
tor and an automatic starting box for the motor. The tempera- 
ture of the machines will not rise over 40 degrees centigrade 
after ten hours run on full load. The motor is guaranteed not 
to spark under any change from no load to full load, or vice 
versa. We will guarantee the apparatus to be free from any 
inherent electrical or mechanical defects, and, for a period of one 



Commercial Correspondence. 109 

year, will make good at our own expense any parts found so 
defective. (^9^) 

Respectfully submitted, 

Mr. William Hibbert, 181. 

Princeton, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

We propose for the sum of ^410 to furnish you f. o. b. 
factory a 2^ kilowatt self-contained motor-driven alternator as 
here described : The direct current motor will have a capacity 
of 2^ kilowatts at 900 revolutions. The machine is to be wound 
for 220 volts, but your connections must be so arranged that you 
will give us no volts in the armature when running at this 
speed, or 220 volts in the armature when running at 2COO 
R. P. M. We will furnish a starting box for the motor, and 
also a field rheostat to enable you to adjust the field for the 
variation in speed. The motor will be direct coupled to an 
8-pole alternator, which will give you 7200 alternations at 2000 
revolutions and an E. M. F. of 52 volts, or 16000 alternations 
at 2000 revolutions and an E. M. F. of 104 volts. There will 
be a rheostat in the field of the alternator to give you suitable 
range of voltage. We will also furnish you a 2^ kilowatt static 
transformer wound for 52 and 104 volts on each side. The 
motor and alternator will both be mounted on an iron sub-base ; 
all of the bearings will be of the self-oiling type with glass oil 
gauges. Floor space required will be about 2 by 4j^ feet. We 
guarantee the efficiency of the combination to be not less than 
72 per cent. The rise of temperature above the surrounding 
atmosphere will not exceed 45 degrees centigrade. The direct 
current motor will have carbon brushes with ^ * Churchward " 
improved brush holder, and the alternator will have copper col- 
lecting brushes. We understand that you intend to use this 
machine for testing and adjusting meters, and are considering all 
your requirements in making this proposition. We can deliver 
the machine in sixty days from receipt of order. ( 307 ) 

Yours very truly. 



no Commercial Correspondence. 

Messrs. Roberts & Tu]l, 182. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We propose for the sum of $23,500 to furnish you, f. o. b. 
cars factory, freight prepaid to Philadelphia, one 1000 kilowatt 2 
phase 5500 volt 60 cycle revolving field alternating current gen- 
erator for direct connecting to engine at 100 revolutions per 
minute. We will guarantee an efficiency of 
95 per cent, at full load. 

95 " " ^ " 

92 ^' ^' )4 '' 

88 " " X '' 

We will guarantee the following: that the rise of temperature 
of any part of the machine will not be over 40 degrees centigrade 
after ten hours run on full load ; that the machine will stand a 
difference of potential of 10,000 volts between frame and arma- 
ture windings ; an inherent regulation of 7^ per cent, on non- 
inductive loads ; that the machine will be free from any inherent 
electrical or mechanical defects ; and that we will, for a period 
of one year, replace all parts found so defective. We can deliver 
one machine in four months from receipt of order, and will 
furnish a competent expert for sixty days to superintend the 
installation of the generator and give instructions for its proper 
operation. We will protect you against any suit or suits at 
law for alleged infringements of patents, provided we are 
promptly notified of the filing of any such suit or suits and 
allowed to defend same at our own expense. 

Terms will be $8,000 sight draft with bill of lading. 
$8,000 when the machine has been in operation for thirty days. 
If, however, we are delayed on your account, then the sec- 
ond payment is to be made sixty days from date of shipment. 
$7,500 to be paid thirty days after second payment is made. 

Title to the machine to remain with the Ferguson Elec- 
tric Company of America until the purchase price has been fully 



Commercial Correspondence. hi 

paid in cash. If notes or warrants are given, they are to be 
considered as an evidence of indebtedness only, and in case of 
default of payments, the Company reserves the right to re-possess 
itself of the apparatus wherever found, and any payments which 
have been made to be considered as liquidated damages. It is 
expressly understood that the fastening of this machine to engine 
or foundation shall not make it a part of the realty. iS^S) 

Respectfully submitted, 

Mr. John Cramp, 183. 

Chicago, 111. 
Dear Sir : 

We beg to submit you herewith proposition on electrical 
generating plant for your railroad, as follows : 

Proposition No. I. 

Generators : Two 200 kilowatt composite generators, 6 
poles, 500 revolutions per minute, 550 volts direct current end 
and 330 volts alternating current end ; 25 cycles per second 3 
phase, complete with outboard bearing, base and pulley. 

Station Switchboard : Two alternating current, direct 
current composite generator panels of marble mounted on neat 
iron frame ; each panel to be approximately 4^ 6^^ wide by 6^ 
high, and each panel will have the following instruments 
mounted thereon : 

3 Alternating current ammeters. 

I Alternating current voltmeter. 

I Switchboard transformer. 

I Voltmeter plug. 

"i Three blade knife switch for alternating current end. 

3 Fuse blocks alternating current end. 

6 Synchronizing lamps. 

I Direct current ammeter. 

I Direct current voltmeter. 

I Circuit breaker. 



112 Commercial Correspondence. 

3 Single pole, single throw quick break switches. 
I Field rheostat on back of board. 

Direct Current Feeder Panel : One marble slab 20^-^ 
wide by 6^ high, mounted on iron frame with the following 
instruments mounted thereon : 

I Five hundred ampere single pole quick break switch. 
I Fuse block. 
I Lightening arrester. 
Step-up Transformers : We will furnish three 50 kilowatt, 
25 cycle oil-cooled transformers wound to step up from 330 volts 
to 10,000 volts. 

High Tension Alternating Current Panel : We will fur- 
nish one high tension alternating current panel to be used betv/een 
the high tension lines and the static transformers ; this panel 
will be 20^^ wide by 6^ high and have the following instruments 
mounted thereon : 

I Three pole long break knife switch. 
3 Lightning arresters. 
3 High tension fuse holders. 
Sub-Station : One high tension alternating current panel 
20^-^ wide 6^ high. 

I Three blade long break switch. 
3 Alternating current lightning arresters. 
3 High tension fuse holders. 
Step-Down Transformers : We will furnish three ^o 
kilowatt, 25 cycle oil-cooled static transformers to step down 
from 10,000 to 330 volts. 

Rotary Transformer : We will furnish one 150 kilowatt 3 
phase 25 cycle rotary transformer, 6 poles, speed 500 revolutions 
per minute, wound for 550 volts direct current and 330 volts alter- 
nating current. We will furnish with this rotary choke coils for 
starting from the alternating current end and water rheostat for 
starting from the direct current end. 

Alternating Current Direct Current Rotary Panel : We 
will furnish one A. C. D. C. rotary panel of marble, mounted on 



Commercial Correspondence. 113 

angle iron frame and having the following instruments mounted 
thereon : 

3 Alternating current ammeters. 

I Alternating current voltmei^^er. 

I Switchboard transformer. 

I Voltmeter plug. 

I Three blade knife switch. 

3 Fuse holders. 

6 Synchronizing lamps. 

I Direct current ammeter. 

I Direct current voltmeter. 

I Direct current circuit breaker. 

I Double pole, single throw main switch. 

I Double pole single throw field switch. 

I Field rheostat. 

I Direct current lightning arrester. 
We will furnish all of the above apparatus f. o. b. cars 
Chicago, securely packed and consigned to you for the sum of 
^16,500. We will furnish the services of a competent expert 
for thirty days to superintend the installation of this apparatus 
and to give your employees proper instructions for operating 
same. As we did not know the exact distance from your power 
house to the proposed rotary sub-station, we have assumed that 
it was about ten miles, and find that you can use a three phase 
circuit of No. 6 wire, and it will give you about 5 per cent, loss 
in line. We would recommend the use of glazed porcelain in- 
sulators and bare wire for the outside line. In making up the 
foregoing proposition, we have figured in everything that we con- 
sidered necessary for the proper control and handling of such a 
plant. It is possible to get along without some of the instru- 
ments enumerated, but it is preferable to have them. We will 
guarantee the generators to carry their rated load for fourteen 
hours without heating over 40 degrees centigrade above the sur- 
rounding atmosphere ; to carry 25 per cent, overload without 



114 Commercial Correspondence. 

heating 50 degrees centigrade ; and to carry 50 per cent, over- 
load for two hours without injury. 

Efficiency full load 92 5 -10 per cent. 
3^ *^ 91 

- yi " 89 

The heat limit for the rotary will be the same as that 
given for the generator. 

Terms will be 25 per cent, cash on receipt of bill of lading ; 
balance to be paid in negotiable notes, as may be agreed upon 

Respectfully submitted, (74^) 

ESTIMATE. 

Lumber for Railroads. 184. 

Car, Bridge, Dock, Ship and Electric R. R. Builders, 

delivered on cars at Philadelphia, or points taking the same rate 

of freight. 

Bill Timber. Sound square-edge grade. 

Virginia Pine up to I o^'^xi 0^-^x30^ long . . ^14.50 

North Carolina Short-Leaf Pine up to 1 2/^x1 2^-^x30^ i7-5o 
Long-Leaf Yellow Pine by vessel . . . 16.50 

Planed I to 4 sides . . . ^1.50 to $3.00 more 
White Pine, according to sizes . . . $24.00 up 

White Oak 25.00 up 

Long-Leaf Yellow Pine. Car sills and framing. 

Square-edge grade, including sizes up to 34^ long $18.00 
Sound merchantable . . . . . . 19.00 

Car decking, 2^''x6^'^ to lo^'' wide, 18^ long . . 19.00 

White Oak Car Lumber. Good quality, fresh cut timber, 
free from large or unsound knots, splits, shakes, worm 
holes or decay, square edges and sawn true, accord- 
ing to sizes, ...... $22.50 up 

North Carolina Pine. 

Hearts 2^''&3^'' plank, and up to 8^''x8^''xi6^ long, $16.50 
i^'' Edge boards, all widths, box grade . . li-50 



Commercial Correspondence. 115 

1^^ Scaffold boards, io^^Sii2^^ wide, box grade . 13.00 

i}^^'' Edge box, all widths . . . . 13.00 

i^'' No. 3 Sheathing, planed i side and matched . 13.00 
ij^^-^, 2^'^&3^^ Flooring, planed i side and matched 

or grooved for slip tongue, or worked ship lap 18.00 
Electric Poles, of Long-Leaf Yellow Pine, octagon or square. 
Top. Butt. 
6^''x8^'' diameter, length 28^ each . . . ^ 2.40 

y^-'xio^'^ 2.90 

y^-'x 10^^ length 30^ 3.25 

8^''xio^'' ''35^ 4- 50 

Dressed on all sides, pointed tops, painted, and butts 

tarred. 
Round Cedar Poles, Standard butts, 6^''to7'''' top, x 

30^ long ....... 2.50 

Yellow Pine Flooring. Kiln-dried, well worked. 

i^'' thick, No. I . . . . . . #18.50 

Rift sawed i^^ No. I 26.50 

Ceiling i^'' No. I ..... 19.50 

Shipments can commence in 15 to 25 days after receipt of 
order ; delivery at other points in accordance with difference in 
rate of freight. ( 33 ^ ) 

BOND CIRCULAR. 
Southern Pacific Railroad of New Mexico. 185. 

(Southern Pacific System) 
First Mortgage 6 Per Cent. Bonds, due January I, 1 91 1. 
Interest payable January and July at Company's Office, 
23 Broad Street, N. Y. 
Bonds dated November 17, 1880 ; authorized issue $5,000,000. 
Outstanding, $4,180,000. 
The Company was chartered under the laws of the Ter- 
ritory of New Mexico, April 14, 1880 ; line opened October 18, 
1880 ; completed to El Paso, April 18, 1 88 1. The road ex- 
tends from the Arizona line to the Rio Grande Bridge, 167 miles, 



ii6 Commercial Correspondence. 

and forms a portion of the main line of the Southern Pacific 
System, by which it is operated under lease. A separate organ- 
ization is maintained in accordance with the laws of the Territory 
of New Mexico, although the Southern Pacific own all but 
^2,500 of the ^6,888,800 capital stock. 

These bonds are secured by a First and only Mortgage on 
the entire property of the Company ; furthermore, they are guar- 
anteed by the Southern Pacific Company as to both principal 
and interest by endorsement on each bond. An additional feat- 
ure of strength in this security is a sinking fund, requiring the 
payment of $50,000 per annum ; this fund now amounts to over 
^700,000, securely invested in bonds of the Southern Pacific 
System and is to be used toward the redemption of bonds at 
maturity. 

The earnings for the year ending June 30, 1898, were : 
Gross. Operating Expenses. Net Revenue. 

$1,529,895. $830,260. $699,635. 

The net average revenue for the nine years 

ending June 30, 1898 was .... $422,900 

Amount necessary to pay the interest on bonds 250,800 

(262) 
SINGLE ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 186. 

On this tenth day of March, A. D. 1899, before me, the 
subscriber, a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania, residing in the City of Philadelphia, personally appeared 
the above-named Robert Black and in due form of law acknow- 
ledged the foregoing instrument to be his act and deed, and de- 
sired the same to be recorded as such. 

Wiitnc53 my hand and official seal the day and year 
aforesaid. 

DOUBLE ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 187. 

On the sixth day of May, Anno Domini 1 899, before me, 
the subscriber, a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania, residing in the City of Philadelphia, came the above- 



Commercial Correspondence. 117 

named Frank Williams and Mary B. Williams, his wife, and in 
due form of law acknowledged the foregoing Agreement to be 
their act and deed. AND the said Mary B. Williams, being of 
full age and separate and apart from her husband by me exam- 
ined, and the full contents of the said Agreement being by me 
made known to her, declared upon such separate examination 
that she did voluntarily and of her own free will and accord seal 
and as her act and deed deliver the said Agreement without any 
coercion or compulsion of her said husband. 

llClitness my hand and notarial seal the day and year 
aforesaid. 

CORPORATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 188. 

On the fourth day of April, A. D. 1899, before me, the 
subscriber, a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania, residing in the City of Philadelphia, personally appeared 
James Evans, Secretary of the said The Northern Trust Com- 
pany, of Philadelphia, who being duly sworn did depose and say 
that the seal affixed to the foregoing Power of Attorney is the 
common or corporate seal of the said Corporation, and that the 
same was so affixed, and the said Power of Attorney was de- 
livered by Henry B. Clay, President of the said Corporation, as 
and for the act and deed of the said Corporation, for the uses 
and purposes therein mentioned, by virtue of the authority in 
him vested ; and that the names of the said Henry B. Clay, as 
President, and of the said James Evans, as Secretary, thereunto 
subscribed, in attestation of the due execution and delivery 
thereof, are in their proper and respective handwritings. 

' Sworn and subscribed before me | 
the day and year aforesaid. TKHftncss y 
my hand and notarial seal. I 

POWER OF ATTORNEY. 189. 

1Rnow all /iRen b^ tbe6e iptesents, 

That I, William S. Myers, of the City of New York, do make, 
constitute and appoint Robert Bridges, of said city, my true and 



ii8 Commercial Correspondence. 

lawful Attorney for me and in my name to keep an account with 
THE RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, 
to make deposits from time to time with the said Company, and 
from time to time to draw checks for any portion of the en- 
tire amount of deposits now standing or hereafter placed to my 
credit with said Company ; to endorse checks for deposit only to 
the credit of said account ; and to endorse for collection by said 
Company, Promissory Notes, Bills of Exchange, and Drafts, now 
or at any time hereafter belonging to me or sent to me for col- 
lection ; to accept all Drafts or Bills of Exchange which may be 
drawn upon me and to do all lawful acts requisite for effecting 
the premises ; hereby ratifying and confirming all that the said 
Attorney shall do therein by virtue of these presents. 

1In TlClitncss wbereof , I have hereunto set my hand and seal 
this tenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and ninety-nine. 
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered 
in the presence of 

INDEMNIFICATION BOND AND WARRANT. 190. 

1know all /llben b^ tbese ipresents, 

That I, James Johnson, of the City of Chicago, (hereinafter 
called the Obligor) am held and firmly bound unto 

THE CONTRACTORS TRUST COMPANY OF 
CHICAGO 
in the sum of Two Thousand Dollars, lawful money of the 
United States of America, to be paid to the said The Contractors 
Trust Company of Chicago, its certain -attorney, successors, or 
assigns ; to which payment well and truly to be made I do bind 
and oblige myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, and 
every of them, firmly by these presents : Sealed with my seal. 
Dated the fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one thou- 
sand eight hundred and ninety-nine ; 
IClbereae, the said The Contractors Trust Company of Chicago 



Commercial Correspondence. 119 

has become surety for James Johnson, as- Administrator of the 
Estate of John Fry, deceased, ,on his bond dated June I, 1899 ; 
Hnb TKUbcrcas, the Obligor herein named, in consideration 
thereof, has agreed to save harmless and indemnified the said 
The Contractors Trust Company of Chicago, its successors and 
assigns, of and from all loss by reason thereof : 
mow tbc ConMtion of tbc above ©bligation Is 6ucb that if 
the above-bounden Obligor, his heirs, executors, or admin- 
istrators, or any of them, shall and do well and sufficiently 
indemnify and save harmless the said The Contractors Trust Com- 
pany of Chicago, its successors and assigns, of and from all 
actions, suits, loss, costs, trgubles, damages, and expenses what- 
soever, which the said The Contractors Trust Company of Chi- 
cago, its successors or assigns, shall be put to or sustain by reason 
of said suretyship, then the above obligation to be void, or else 
to be and remain in full force and virtue. And the said Obligor 
for himself, his heirs, executors, and administrators, does hereby 
authorize any attorney of any Court of Record in Illinois or any 
other State, to confess judgment against him for the above sum, 
with release of errors, etc. ; and hereby, for his legal representa- 
tives, waives and relinquishes unto the said Obligee and its 
assigns all benefits that may accrue to him by virtue of any and 
every law exempting his property from levy and sale under exe- 
cution. 

Sealed and Delivered 

in the presence of us : ' . 



m 34 1900 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



027 275 497 4 







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